To say that I have a bit of a sweet tooth would serve as an understatement. I love desserts—everything from cakes, pies, tortes, cupcakes or sherbet—you name it. I don’t discriminate.
But I have to say that my most often go-to is the king of sweets: ice cream.
Winnipeg’s ice cream spots are up and running for the summer, back with their unique recipes, exceeding expectations to cure any sweet tooth. These local businesses will have you melting with every scoop, dip and swirl.
Cones, concoctions, collabs and sweet cool treats that look like corn–this 2022 Winnipeg ice cream and cool treat guide has it all.
If you’re looking for an entire pint’s worth of ice cream, Black Market Provisions has you covered. These small-batch all-vegan pints come in irresistible flavours like coconut milk-based Thai-Phoon, with notes of lemongrass and lime and these lively bits of candied ginger. I'm also all in for the cookies and cream with its dark chocolate sea salt cookie, and of course the new lavender peach crumble with lavender ice cream, sweet and tart peach jam swirl and cinnamon-oat crumble. You can catch this cute storefront in South Osbourne filled with a variety of grocery items like
Pop Cart Ice Pops (of which BMP owners Alana and Angela were the founders/inventors) and other locally sourced products like Juice Me Ginger Shots and Freezes and Made by Paste fresh and frozen pastas.
550 Osborne St.
Located at the foot of the historic Elm Park Bridge, this drive-in (commonly known as BDI to any true Winnipegger) has developed a rich and sweet history (60+ years!) of serving locals the creamiest shakes, flurries and soft serve. BDI has perfected its larger treats to share (or let’s be honest, to have to yourself) like the incredible GOOG special (a blueberry upside-down thick shake topped with sliced bananas, layered once more with hot fudge and topped with whipped cream and a cherry), the Sleeping Beauty, the Cantaberry and the Peach Velvet. They also have iconic cone specials like the Saltzberg, ‘Biggie- Smalls’ and the So-Much-S’more. To satisfy its customer’s needs, they also offer vegan-friendly ice cream. You can’t miss this bustling spot with huge lineups stretching into its parking lot tucked along Jubliee (mind the current construction)–perfect for family outings or for helping those awkward first dates be just a little less awkward.
766 Jubilee Ave.
Chaeban Ice Cream officially opened its doors on Osbourne in 2017 but its story began back in 2015. In Winnipeg, the South Osborne Syrian Refugee Initiative (SOSRI) formed to help with the humanitarian crisis in Syria and intended to sponsor the family of Chaeban co-owner Zainab Ali (her family was scattered across Lebanon and Turkey) as she and her husband Joseph (a dairy scientist with a background in cheesemaking) live in Winnipeg. With a rich knowledge of all things dairy, Joseph aimed to give back to the community as a thank you for sponsoring his wife’s family, bringing them from the Middle East to their new home in Winnipeg. With his wife and their third business partner Darryl Stewart, the plans were in motion and Chaeban came to life in South Osborne. The only thing sweeter than this origin story is Chaeban's ice creams, which have a dreamy, luscious texture. At the shop all the ice creams are made from scratch, with plenty of vegan and gluten-friendly options, and some uncommon creations that utilize a ricotta or cream cheese base. The Salty Carl, with its sea-salted caramel and ultra creamy base remains our favourite most-decadent number in the city, while newbies should hit the Abir Al Sham for a true taste of Syria with its rose and orange blossom water base all studded with toasted pistachios and cashews. Along with the flagship location, Chaeban products are available at
retailers across the city, while you can join the Chaeban Ice Cream Club for deals and delivery. Joseph's cheese (aka Chaeban Artisan) is also something else, from the salty feta (available hard or soft), to his new halloumi which is so good grilled then topped with stone fruits, basil and mint.
390 Osborne St.
Since 2007, this sweet spot has served Winnipeg with fresh, whole-food ingredients without the use of artificial flavours or preservatives. Aside from premium artisan chocolates in lifelike shapes and colours and beautifully crafted cakes, Constance and her skilled crew of pastry chefs use locally produced birch syrup to make insanely good ice cream, which this summer will be available in milk shake form (and perhaps in waffle cone form again with those chocolate butterflies on top like past summers–pretty please?). Over the years Constance has had the opportunity to make sweets for high profile events like the Juno Awards, the Golden Globes, the Oscars and even Royal visits too.
180 Provencher Blvd.
This summer is all about cute cones and creamy creations–which is exactly what you can find at Chocoberry Dessert House in Osborne Village. Must-trys include the ice cream soda float, the Crème Matachaccino, or any of the stacked-high sundaes like the S’more Sundae. Check out its Instagram here.
470 River Ave.
Not many places top Cool Encounters when it comes to toppings: Jolly Ranchers, chocolate bars, and crushed tarts can all be added to your cone here. Whether you want a treat for now or later, Cool Encounters offers house-made drumsticks and revels, ice cream pies and sandwiches all pre-packaged and perfect for stocking your freezer at home. Plus, they even have ice cream treats for your fur babies. Check out its Instagram here
1523 Gateway Rd.
Eva’s Gelato & Coffee Bar
Located on the corner of Corydon and Harrow, Eva’s Gelato is the go-to for authentic Argentinian gelato. You can find flavours like brownie temptation, banana split, hazelnut chocolate and lemon pie at its River Heights storefront as well as in retail stores across the city. Check out its website and Instagram for a full list of flavours.
This ice cream is for real—no really. Co-owners Elise Page and Teri-Lynn Friesen dish up ice cream made from scratch with flavours and combinations inspired by snacks, treats, and desserts. Fête has it all from scoops and pints to gluten-free and vegan options along with killer ice cream sandwiches. This trendy Winnipeg spot backs onto the River Walk trail near The Forks and is only steps away from Bonnycastle Dog Park. Try one of its seasonal flavours like the Key Lime Pie or purchase a pint of Cookies ‘N Cream in support of the Children’s Hospital. Open 10am-10pm all summer long!
Le Monkey Bar is your go-to for all-vegan items at its kiosk on the Esplanade Riel. They have gourmet cookies and ice cream and its waffle cones are gluten-free. Catch its Monkey Shakes, made with frozen fruits, coconut milk and topped with whipped coconut cream and smoothies. And of course, it wouldn’t be a monkey bar without chocolate-dipped bananas.
Located at the Esplanade Riel Bridge
Mixologist/owner Siuleen Leibl and beverage director Dustin Nguyen dream big and execute Insta-ready molecular gastronomy-style sweet creations on Corydon through its convenient pink walk-up pick-up window. This spot is known for its waffle cone ice cream tacos, waffle pops, milkshakes (of course) and rolled ice cream (also known as Thai ice cream rolls) that you can see be made before your eyes as they pour crème anglaise on a frozen plate, then mix it with a variety of toppings. They recently announced a collab with Baked Expectations and Jeanne's Bakery, creating the marble cake Glavour pints. They have also introduced additional notable menu items like elote ice cream–cornflake ice cream shaped like corn on the cob sprinkled with Tajin condensed milk drizzle and garnished with lime wedge candy (wow)–as well as new milkshakes like the Banoffee Pie (banana with salted caramel), and, get this, a Cup of Noodles-style milk tea using pudding noodles for the udon and gummies to mimic the sunny side-up egg.
651 Corydon Ave.
Scoops, soft serve, or pints—Neon Cone serves it all. This bustling spot has a variety of flavours using Manitoba-made products from spots like Tall Grass Prairie (neighbours in The Forks) and De Luca’s. It now offers other fun treats like the ice cream filled s'mores and ice cream flights, perfect for enjoying on the huge outdoor patio. Having been a staple at The Forks for over 30 years, it is a must-try for the perfect scoop.
The Forks Market
A refreshing shake, a sundae with ladles of hot fudge, or a cone of flavourful hard serve all await at Winnipeg’s much-loved classic spot. Tucked next to Assiniboine Park in sunny St. James, this spot offers an experience you’ll always reminisce about. Stroll over the Assiniboine River Park Bridge, sit next to the Duck Pond, and chill out this summer with a Sargent Sundae treat.
2053 Portage Ave.
A little taste of snow in the middle of summer? Yup, sounds like Winnipeg! Snow and Moon’s Korean street-style dessert is made entirely of crystallized milk flakes, looking identical to snow (unless you try the Matcha flavour) and loaded up with fruity toppings, chocolate slivers or an entire slice of Tiramisu and Honey Bread (grilled homemade loaf with honey butter covered with whipped cream and caramel sauce topped with almonds). They also do savoury brunch dishes too at this gem of a spot.
1727 Kenaston Blvd.
A Supreme Halo-Halo from The Supreme Ice Cream Shoppe will leave you daydreaming of tropical weather and sandy beaches. This popular Filipino classic packs fresh fruits, shaved ice, ice cream, tapioca and beans into a sweet and savoury treat. Supreme’s menu includes vast bubble tea flavours, ice-cold lattes, gelati, and flavoursome Pinoy dishes.
1295 Jefferson Ave.
When it comes to creative ice cream names, Sub Zero takes the cake. The Victoria Secret is an angelic combination of peanut butter, raspberry sauce and crushed Oreos, while the Pikachu Parfait is coated in hot caramel sauce, white chocolate and cookie crumbles. For hockey fans, the “Jets Parfait”–filled with strawberries, blueberries and cheesecake–is a win every time, while to celebrate Pride there's the Pride Parfait (hot fudge, peanut butter, and crushed smarties). They also have the Morning Flight Partfait: Vanilla soft serve layered with Biscoff crumbles and hot caramel fudge, topped with coffee syrup and a Biscoff biscuit, as well as a tiramisu parfait with layers of coffee syrup, cappuccino crumbles and lady fingers.
298 Jamison Ave.
Sweet Tops gives us nothing but classic ice cream parlour vibes, and we are here for it! The creamiest soft-serve, a long list of hard ice cream scoops, Twisters, sundaes and root beer floats are all staples at this local Henderson Highway spot.
949 Henderson Hwy.
When it comes to perfecting the parfait, Sweet Annie’s Bakeshop is an ace. Being both a bakery and an ice cream shop, these creative cones incorporate sprinkles, shortcake, puree filling and more. While those looking for dairy-free options can enjoy a tropical twist layered with mango and pineapple-whipped soft serve, gooey fruity toppings and often a tropical umbrella on top. They now offer vegan vanilla soft serve and have expanded the list of dairy-free creations. With lots of exciting new menu items for 2022, Sweet Annie’s is a real treat.
414 Westmount Dr.
This downtown candy emporium serves up premium (and often obscure) Manitoba-made ice cream, available in a waffle cone or a full pint to take home, plus plenty of soft serve, cotton candy burritos and mixable layers for those perfect parfaits.
104-240 Graham Ave.
Open from snowmelt to snowfall, Licks Ice Cream Patio has been serving suburban St. Vital scoops and soft-serve since 1994. Don’t sleep on the massive variety of flurries (I normally go for cookie dough mixed with peanut butter sauce). Don’t even get me started on the birthday party dip for cones...
20 Britannica Rd.
I have Dug and his pal Betty to thank for my quarantine 15, as I paid them a weekly visit in Saint Boniface during lockdown. The quaint shop is owned by the legendary Kirouac culinary family (namely father-son duo, Fern and Chris Kirouac) who still own Inferno’s Bistro, located right across the street from the ice cream shop. The name of this place comes from Fern's two basset hounds, which can be spotted in the shop’s logo. Now that’s a serious family business. Indulge in one of their artisan cookie sandwiches, specialty sundaes or incredible hard ice cream flavours like the London fog or The Cookie Monster (my personal favourite). The portion sizes are incredible and will leave you wanting to come back for more (trust me..).
309 Des Meurons St.
Imagine your favourite flavours coming together right in front of your eyes. Ingredients and tasty bases are mixed on a chilled surface, evenly spread out for the perfect consistency, then rolled up for a Thai-style treat. The rolled ice cream is developed with 100 per cent organic ingredients and comes with various toppings like chunks of mango, Nutella, candy, chocolate, or sweet drizzles. You’ll enjoy watching its creation as much as you’ll enjoy eating it. Tom and Heather Hoang don’t stop at ice cream. Delve into some of Winnipeg’s best Vietnamese delights like Banh Mi and a deluxe vermicelli topped with an incredible array of grilled meats and sugar cane shrimp.
6-794 Sargent Ave., 117 Osborne St., 605 Sterling Lyon Parkway
In the mood for a burger and ice cream? 9 Below and Charlie Burgers has you covered. Its storefront offers a selection of hard and soft ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes and banana splits, including iconic flavours like the birthday party, bubble gym, peanut butter cup or the cinnamon bun sundae.
2494 Main St.
