Looking for the best ice cream in Calgary? Look no further!
Calgary has plenty of options for those looking to indulge in delicious ice cream and gelato. Whether you prefer classic flavours like vanilla and chocolate or more unique options like lavender honey or maple bacon, there’s a Calgary ice cream shop for everyone.
Many ice cream shops in Calgary pride themselves on using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, and some even offer vegan and dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Many shops also offer other treats like ice cream cakes, milkshakes, and waffles. So whether you’re a longtime ice cream lover or simply looking to beat the summer heat with a refreshing treat, here’s your guide to the best ice cream in Calgary
Made by Marcus
With three locations in Calgary, as well as two locations in Edmonton, it’s quite obvious that Made By Marcus has become one of the most popular places for ice cream in Calgary. Their artisanal approach to ice cream means that they use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create unique and delicious flavours that cause block-long lineups at many of their locations. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to more creative options like Salted Caramel Pretzel and London Fog, Made By Marcus has become a hit in Calgary. What’s more, they even offer dairy-free and vegan options, so everyone can indulge in a sweet treat. The atmosphere in the shop is vibrant and lively, with funky decor and a friendly staff ready to scoop up some goodness. So whether you’re a seasoned ice cream lover or a curious newbie, be sure to check out Made By Marcus and treat yourself to some of the best ice cream treats in the city!
Village Ice Cream
With five locations in Calgary, Village Ice Cream is easily one of the most popular places to eat ice cream in Calgary. They’re known for their small-batch, handmade ice cream using natural ingredients while ensuring that every scoop is bursting with flavour and texture. They offer classic favourites that everyone enjoys, as well as more adventurous options like Two Hills Earl Grey tea and Toasted Coconut. Their signature flavour, Salted Caramel, has a cult following and is a must-try for any first-timer.
All of their locations in the city are warm and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a cone on a hot summer day or a cold winter night. So whether you’re in the mood for a classic scoop or something a little more unique, Village Ice Cream is sure to satisfy your cravings!
My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe
My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe is a Calgary classic that’s been serving up delicious treats for over 40 years. This family-owned ice cream parlour has over 50 flavours of ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt to choose from, as well as cakes and pies. Their signature flavour, Tiger Tail, is a local favourite, with a mix of orange and black licorice flavours that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The atmosphere in the shop is friendly and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a retro vibe that harkens back to simpler times. What’s more, they even offer special flavours and creations for holidays and special occasions, making My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe the perfect spot for celebrations and family outings.
Sweet Tooth Ice Cream
Sweet Tooth Ice Cream is a popular ice cream parlour located in Calgary’s Chinatown neighbourhood. They’re quite unique compared to other Calgary ice cream shops as they offer dairy-free rolled ice cream, chocolate-dipped cheesecake, and even protein ice creams, which included 30 grams of protein in each cup of ice cream.
What made Sweet Tooth Ice Cream so popular, however, was that they were the original pioneers of rolled ice cream in Calgary. Their ice creams are also made with preservative-free dairy bases and house-made fruit sauces, making them a great snack for kids, adults, and seniors. Plus, you can build your own, customizing the flavour to your desires, including fun toppings like cotton candy, sprinkles, and gummy bears.
Lic’s Ice Cream
Located in Parkdale, not far from the beautiful Bow River, Lic’s Ice Cream has always been one of our favourite places to eat ice cream in Calgary. Formerly known as Leavitt’s Ice Cream Shop, this unassuming, family-owned ice cream parlour has been serving top-notch ice cream since 1982. The shop serves more than 40 flavours in generous portions, offering ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and even sugar-free and lactose-free options.
Some of our favourites include Espresso Flake and Dutch Chocolate, but they also have some pretty exotic flavours such as Black Licorice and their new cereal ice creams, which feature soft-serve mixed with cereals such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fruity Pebbles.
Luke’s Drug Mart
Luke’s Drug Mart is a unique place to eat ice cream in Calgary in that it also doubles as a pharmacy and general store as well. However, Luke’s Drug Mart is also quite different from the other ice cream shops in Calgary as they only offer soft-serve ice cream and only one flavour at a time. However, that “one flavour” changes every month, making it an exciting place to try something new. Some of the flavours we’ve truly loved over the last year have been Orange Creamsicle, Horchata (a mixture of rice pudding and cinnamon), and Churro.
Aside from mouth-watering ice cream, they also offer coffee and baked goods, as well as lots of organic and unique home products. Need to get some fluoride-free toothpaste while you munch down on ice cream? No problem. Luke’s Drug Mart has two locations, one in Killarney and the other in Bridgeland.
La Diperie
La Diperie is a Canadian ice cream chain that operates four locations in Calgary and another two in the nearby towns of Chestermere and Okotoks. They specialize in soft-serve ice cream, with a wide variety of flavours and toppings to choose from. What sets La Diperie apart from other ice cream shops is its unique “dips”. customers can choose from a variety of flavoured chocolate dips to coat their ice creams, such as matcha, maple, and dark chocolate. They also offer a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to candy and cookies, or for those really looking to indulge, a “mega dip” option where you can have your ice cream dipped multiple times in different flavours!
Ice cream isn’t the only thing they serve though. From pies and cookies to extravagant hot chocolate and delicious donuts, La Diperie is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
XO Ice Cream & Waffles
Located in the suburb of Auburn Bay, XO Ice Cream & Waffles is a popular ice cream shop that specializes in unique and delicious flavour combinations. They offer homemade ice cream, with flavours ranging from vanilla and chocolate to more unique options like lavender honey and matcha green tea. What sets XO apart from other ice cream shops is their signature dish – the ice cream waffle sandwich. This decadent treat features a warm and crispy waffle, stuffed with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and toppings of your choice. They also offer a variety of other desserts, including milkshakes and ice cream sundaes.
The atmosphere in the shop is warm and welcoming, with plenty of seating and a friendly staff ready to help you create your perfect dessert. So whether you’re in the mood for a classic cone or a creative ice cream sandwich, XO Ice Cream & Waffles is a great spot to check out.
Righteous Gelato (Formerly Fiasco Gelato)
Righteous Gelato is a gelato and sorbet shop that’s been serving up delicious treats since 2015. They offer a wide range of flavours, from classic favourites like chocolate and strawberry to more unique options like blueberry basil and lavender honey. What sets Righteous Gelato apart from other gelato shops is its commitment to using high-quality ingredients, including locally-sourced milk and fresh fruits and herbs. Their gelato is made in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavour, and they also offer dairy-free and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions.
The atmosphere in the shop is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating and friendly staff ready to help you find your new favourite flavour. So whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing sorbet or a rich and creamy gelato, be sure to check out Righteous Gelato and treat yourself to some of the best-frozen desserts in Calgary!
Amato Gelato
With two locations in the popular neighbourhoods of Kensington and 17th Ave, Amato Gelato offers over 72 rotating flavours of gelato in addition to baked goods, paninis, roman style pizza, espresso, and coffee.
Their gelato flavours are quite diverse and include both traditional favourites like pistachio and stracciatella as well as more unique flavours such as pumpkin spice and raspberry balsamic. They also offer a variety of vegan and dairy-free options for those with dietary restrictions. In addition to their delicious gelato, Amato Gelato also serves mouth-watering Italian desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli, all wrapped up in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of seating and friendly staff. The owner, Marco Amato, is a passionate gelato artisan and has won numerous awards for his creations. So if gelato is on the mind, Amato Gelato is the place to go!
Marble Slab Creamery
With locations across Calgary and across the country, Marble Slab Creamery is a popular chain known for its customizable ice cream creations. They offer a variety of ice cream flavours, including classics like vanilla and chocolate, as well as unique flavours like cotton candy and green tea. What sets Marble Slab apart from other ice cream shops is their “mix-ins”, which means customers can choose from a wide range of toppings like fresh fruit, candy, and cookie dough to mix into their ice cream on a marble slab, creating a unique and personalized dessert. They also offer a variety of other treats, including ice cream cakes and shakes.
Looking for more things to do in Calgary?
While we highly recommend eating ice cream in Calgary, especially in the summer, there’s so much more to this Western Canadian city. For more ideas on what to do, check out our travel guides below:
Leave a Reply
\n