You scream, I scream, we all scream because 2020 is crazy (anyone else?)… aaaand ice cream! The good news, you can keep it cool through this summer heatwave with various forms of dairy and non-dairy cold treats from these must-try spots in Vancouver.
11 Fable Diner
Known for their 50’s diner style, but farm-to-table ingredients – it’s the best of both worlds. They have all the rockin’ classics like Banana Splits, Sundaes and Milkshakes.
Our Pick | Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake
Vegan | No
Where | 151 East Broadway
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/B84yxOJJaMG/
10 Soft Peaks Ice Cream
Soft Peaks has been a summer icon in Gastown with their twisted soft-serve, made from handcrafted organic milk ice cream cones. Like the taste of real ice cream you used to have as a kid, but with toppings of any adult, like TimTam flakes or tiramisu.
Our Pick | North Pole Breakfast
Vegan | No
Where | 25 Alexander Street // 115-4603 Kingsway, Burnaby
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCb3SkUp0I3/
9 Planetary Burger
A retro cali-inspired diner with one mission – plant-fuelled. Serving up the milkshakes you used to love, but can now actually have (is anyone not lactose intolerant anymore??) with their blend of cashew, oat and coconut milks. The perfect dessert after your burger and fries.
Our Pick | Strawberry Shake
Vegan | Yes
Where | 3088 Main Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD613anH7FA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
8 Popina
Find the brightly coloured shipping container on Granville Island and you’ll find your way to the all of the creams. Served in a freshly baked cream puff is a large cone of local and organic ice cream, topped with almost anything imaginable from crushed oreos, espresso and pretzels to chicago mix popcorn, chickpea crumb and saffron syrup.
Our Pick | Violet B Puffcream
Vegan | No
Where | 1691 Johnston Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrHaAknQmD/
7 Earnest Ice Cream
Known for their boldness in unique flavours (and of course their commitment to zero waste as founders of reusable pint takeaways), Earnest is always keeping things interesting. With flavours like Whiskey Hazelnut, Toasted Marshmallow and Cherry Pie, there’s something for everyone.
Our Pick | London Fog
Vegan | Yes
Where | 1829 Quebec Street // 3992 Fraser Street // 1485 Frances Street // 127 W. 1st Street, North Vancouver
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDAgteildhh/
6 Innocent Ice Cream
Hand-made and gluten-free AND vegan (option) ice cream sandwiches are what make these treats stand out, for all the gluten and dairy free ice cream lovers out there (and even if you’re not). Chewy cookies stacked with a chunk of flavoured ice cream like the Elvis (peanut butter cookies with banana pudding nice cream) or Cherry Bomb (double chocolate cookies with wild cherry ice cream) make these drool worthy.
Our Pick | Kong (double chocolate cookies with banana pudding nice cream)
Vegan | Yes
Where | 4895 Main Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtsPUOnsjh/
5 Elephant Garden Creamery
If you’re everything but vanilla, this is your spot. The Elephant Garden Creamery’s zenned-out space perfectly matches their asian-influenced, artisanal and creative ice cream flavours. Get a scoop or grab a pint to go from staples like Cereal and Milk, Mango Coconut Sticky Rice or Malted Milk Choco or rotating flavours like, Honey Chrysanthemum, Lemon Yuzu Butter or Red Velvet + Raspberries.
Our Pick | HK Milk Tea
Vegan | Yes
Where | 2080 Commercial Drive
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9sTaYvh7U1/
4 Rain or Shine Ice Cream
Rain or Shine is very well known in Vancouver for their delicious, Philadelphia-style ice cream (and long line ups), but with good reason – it’s all local, natural and organic. They have rich basics like Madagascar Vanilla and Salted Caramel and then some more adventurous tastes like Blueberry Balsamic and Honey Lavender.
Our Pick | Honey Lavender
Vegan | Yes
Where | 1926 W. 4th Avenue // 6001 University Boulevard // 3382 Cambie Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDb-J9kBpVg/
3 Umaluma
Umaluma has been gaining cred for the best plant-based frozen dessert spot in Vancouver with their dairy-free, smooth and creamy, flavourful gelatos. With a cute location in Chinatown, you feel like you’ve been whisked away somewhere tropical. Try unique flavours from Panda (vanilla, chocolate ganache and charcoal), Spicy Turtle (72% chocolate, roasted pecans, cayenne pepper and bourbon-soaked caramel swirls) and Mojito Magic (lime, mint and E3 Live).
Our Pick | Horchata
Vegan | Yes
Where | 235 E. Pender Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtUNGRIhczr/
2 Perverted Ice Cream
Please, please, please with a cherry on top. Perverted Ice Cream is making ice cream fun again, for adults. With provocative branding and flavour names like Brand Spanking, Beg For S’More and Chi Chi Le Roux, you’re sure to finish with a giant smile of satisfaction (from the ice cream).
Our Pick | Saturday Night (chocolate/vanilla twist, hard chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, whipped cream, cherry)
Vegan | Yes
Where | 797 Thurlow Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBloW6SJMr1/
1 Mister
It’s all in the mix. Using liquid nitrogen to mix up their all-natural ice creams, makes for the richest, creamiest and densest ice cream. A revolving menu of flavours just means you’ll have to keep going back to try them all.
Our Pick | Handheld ice cream sammie, dipped, any flavour
Vegan | Yes
Where | 1141 Mainland Street
Website
https://www.instagram.com/p/CC46oc-phhY/
