While it feels like summer just got started in Calgary, we all know that the warm sunny days are fleeting.
That is reason enough to take advantage of the sunshine and hit up the city’s many ice-cream shops to cool off.
Ice-cream is a simple and delicious concept, but 10 local businesses have found their own way to add a unique flair to this hot-day favorite treat.
What are the Best Ice Cream Shops to Visit in Calgary?
1. Leavitt’s Ice Cream Shop
Established in 1982, this ice-cream parlor is no stranger on the block.
With about 50 hard-scoop ice-cream flavors on their menu, as well as frozen yogurt, sugar-free, milk-free and lactose-free options, you’ll certainly find a flavor or two to fill your waffle cone.
Chose from different sizes and numbers of scoops — portions are generous!
2. Village Ice Cream
Tucked away on a quiet street on the edge of downtown, this artisan shop draws a crowd on warm summer nights.
It’s not uncommon for a lineup to be seen out the small shop’s doors and into the street.
Flavor favorites include Phil & Sebastian Coffee, Maple Pecan and Toasted Coconut.
Because the ice-cream experts at Village Ice-cream make small, hand-made batches daily, new flavors and creations are always in the works.
The shop also offered sorbet, ice-cream sandwiches and non-dairy options.
3. My Favorite Ice Cream Shop
Some come for the old-fashion ice-cream memorabilia, but most for the 72 flavors.
There are the traditional favorites like Cookies ’N Cream, Vanilla Bean and Brownie, to the more exotic flavors like Caramel Pecan Fudge, Peanut Butter Swirl and Cream Soda.
And then there are flavors like Moose Tracks, Spumoni and Leaping Lizard which you simply have to taste to understand.
If this is not enough ice-cream for your taste buds, the shop makes custom ice-cream cakes.
4. Made by Marcus
Conveniently located on busy 17th Ave, this trendy shop offers unique handcrafted flavors like Whiskey Hazelnut Praline, Passionfruit Thai Basil and Toasted Hay Saskatoon Berry.
Dessert-lovers will be happy to find a selection of baked goods which they can pair with their ice-cream.
Or, choose from four different sundaes — each as equally unique as the last.
Top it all off with a specialty coffee.
5. Fiasco Gelato
Perhaps you’ve seen their colorful little ice-cream truck around town.
Their in-store location is equally as colorful.
Their menu is a revolving tap of sorts. New and unique flavors of gelato and sorbetto are created daily.
If a scoop is simply not enough, pint-sized tubs can be purchased for the road. All the items are gluten-free, and the sorbetto is both dairy-free, fat-free and vegan friendly.
6. Sweet Tooth Ice Cream
Rolled ice-cream is a Thai specialty, and this shop is making it a Calgary favorite.
The menu consists of eight cheeky-named desserts which foodies can customize.
For example, S’More Please comes with cocoa ice-cream, honey grams, chocolate chips, and Nutella, and additional toppings (which you can pick 2) include whipped cream, toasted marshmallows or extra Nutella.
Other creations include Why So Salty, Monkey Business, and Nutella & Chill.
7. Amato Gelato
Kensington is known for all things trendy, and this dessert shop is no exception.
What could be trendier than 30 flavors of gelato and sorbetto?
If that’s not enough variety for you, Amato offers specialty Italian desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, napoleon, gelato tastes, cakes, pies, Nanaimo bars and gelato sandwiches.
Plus, if you can’t make it out of the house, Amato Gelato can be delivered to you through Skip the Dishes.
8. Nice Cream
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy ice-cream, this is your spot.
Not only are these ice-cream creations interesting to look at, they’re interesting to learn about.
The ice-cream is made through a liquid nitrogen freezing process, which essentially translates into a smoother, creamier texture.
Foodies can watch the ice-cream being made while they wait for their own.
Pick from a variety of house favorites, as well as new flavors being created and added constantly.
Customize your own Instagram-ready dessert with Belgium waffles and a variety of toppings.
9. Lukes Drug Mart
From the outside this looks like a post office and pharmacy.
Well it is, but it also serves two flavors of soft-serve ice-cream, which can be swirled.
The Vanilla and Coconut Charcoal make for a nice contrast.
10. Scrollio Rolled Ice Cream
This Thai-style dessert comes in three bases (Vanilla, Chocolate, and Vegan-Coconut), which are then spiced up with a huge selection of candies, sauces, fruit, and toppings.
Scrollio has a list of tried-and-true recommended pairings, but the slightly more adventurous can make their own creation.