The 20 Best Ice Cream Restaurants in Ontario

The Merry Dairy is an ice cream shop known for its entirely nut-free offerings, with additional vegan and gluten-free options. Guests appreciate the consistently rich flavors, rotating seasonal selections, and inventive combinations. Attentive staff and careful handling of allergies make it a welcoming destination for those seeking a safe and enjoyable treat.

Sweet! Ice Cream, Candy & Chocolate is a nostalgic candy and ice cream shop in downtown Guelph with classic soda-shop style décor. Shelves are filled with a wide range of sweets, including vintage candies alongside familiar treats and fudge. The shop also offers a popular selection of ice cream, served by friendly staff in playful paper hats, in a clean and lively space.

Central Smith Creamery is a classic roadside ice cream stop known for rich, flavorful ice creams and sherbets. Guests highlight both traditional favorites like rum raisin and playful creations such as watermelon sherbet with chocolate “seeds” and tiger ice cream. The small highway shop offers a cheerful, low-key setting with welcoming staff.

Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe offers a broad selection of housemade ice creams and gelato, with flavors ranging from rum raisin to tart grapefruit. Guests can choose from multiple scoops and flavor combinations, with staff offering samples to help with decisions. The small shop provides both indoor seating and an outdoor bench for enjoying a relaxed dessert break.

Il Gelato di Carlotta offers traditional Italian-style gelato in classic flavors, known for its creamy texture and natural-tasting fruit varieties. Standouts include the rich pistachio gelato, served in crisp cones with light wafers. Guests also find well-prepared coffee and pastries such as strudel. The shop’s welcoming ambiance makes it an inviting stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

A local tradition since 1958, Dairy Cream is known for classic soft-serve, hard ice cream, yogurt, and an extensive range of sundaes and treats. Guests highlight the funnel cake and hot fudge brownie as favorites, along with milkshakes and frozen yogurt with fresh fruit. The walk-up stand often draws a line, with multiple servers helping to keep it moving. The overall experience is nostalgic, casual, and focused on simple, well-made ice cream desserts.

Moo Shu Ice Cream specializes in inventive, small-batch ice cream and gelato served in fresh house-made waffle cones and bubble waffles. Guests highlight distinctive flavors such as Hong Kong milk tea, blueberry amaretto, and seasonal fruit combinations. A steady buzz of customers and quick, organized service create a lively spot for a sweet treat.

Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery specializes in rich, housemade ice cream served in inventive forms, from cookie sandwiches to waffles and profiteroles. A large selection of classic, inventive, and vegan flavors pairs with freshly baked cookies and sweets, whose aroma often fills the area. The shop’s popularity can lead to lines, but service keeps them moving steadily.

Lickadee Split Ice Cream Shoppe offers a nostalgic ice cream experience with a retro-inspired interior and classic details. Guests find a wide selection of flavors, including some inventive combinations, along with house-made cones and complimentary toppings. Limited seating inside and simple chairs on the sidewalk create a casual spot to enjoy a cone, while the staff is noted for being welcoming and patient with children.

Dairy Queen (Treat) is a classic walk-up ice cream stand offering the brand’s familiar frozen treats from simple service windows. Guests order to go and enjoy their cones and sundaes outdoors, with ample parking around the building. Located beside a train-themed park and near the beach, it attracts both locals and visitors for a casual, family-friendly stop.