With seasonably warmer weather now upon us, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about where you’ll grab a cold treat. If you thought Vancouver had a penchant only for artisanal cafés, you’ll be delighted to know that locally-owned ice creameries are just as popular on a hot summer day. You’ll have to travel, but these are the best ice creams in town
La Glace, 2785 W 16th Ave (Kitsilano)
La Glace started off as a food cart rolling the pavements of Kitsilano. The French-style ice creamery was so popular that owner Mark Tagulao soon after set up shop in a brick-and-mortar near his old digs at the University of British Columbia. When he did so in 2017, he even brought his cart, which was then on the way out, into our Granville St office while I was interning at Western Living and Vancouver magazine that summer. Now bear in mind that the flavours rotate. But if you’re lucky, the caffe a lavande will be available. This one is my personal favourite—lavender-infused coffee cream.
Rocky Point Ice Cream, 2800 Murray St (Port Moody)
Rocky Point is one of my favourite places to get ice cream on a hot summer’s day. Located right on the water in Port Moody, this cute little blue cottage often has a line out the door and snaking around the building, but it is so worth it. My recommendation? Earl Grey and Honey, or Lemon Poppyseed, which is also vegan-friendly!
Rain or Shine, 1926 W 4th Ave (Kitsilano)
You can thank my sister for this one. I had never heard of Rain or Shine until one evening when I was visiting her out at UBC. My personal favourite is salted caramel. But the coffee toffee, London fog and honey lavender are worth writing home about as well. The best part, however, is the fact that their waffles are pressed in-house and the cones are still steaming off the griddle.
Le Parfait, 812 Homer St (Downtown Vancouver)
This Lebanese-style ice creamery is the new kid on the block and I found out about its Grand Opening through Vancouver magazine and I immediately thought of the stretchy ice cream I tried in Istanbul. My recommendation? While more familiar-sounding flavours like chocolate and coffee are available, do try some authentic Lebanese flavours like Ashta (clotted cream flavoured with rosewater or orange blossom water, rolled in pistachios), Miske and Avocado in a waffle cone.
Cows, 4314 Main St (Whistler)
Billed as the best ice cream in Canada, and why not? Cows came out west after getting off to a rollicking good start in PEI in the 80s. Despite the long, long lines for an ice cold treat in Whistler Village on a summer evening, Cows is a must. My recommendation? A double scoop of green apple on the bottom and salted caramel on the top. Just like a caramel apple.