Frozen Favorites: 8 Must-Try Ice Cream Parlors in Ottawa

Prepare for a fun trip through some of Ottawa's best ice cream spots! From the delicious flavors to the creamy gelato, we've checked out the city to find the best ice cream places.

Each spot was chosen for something special, like cool flavors, a chill atmosphere, or even a bit of nostalgia.

Fun fact: people in Ottawa are so into ice cream that they eat over 5 million liters of it every year! So, grab a buddy and get ready to check out these tasty places. Read on to find your new spot!

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen is a cool little spot in Ottawa where you can find some amazing ice cream with an Asian twist.

If you love trying new flavors, this place is for you! One of their most popular treats is durian ice cream. You might be thinking, "Durian? That sounds weird!"

This durian ice cream is smooth and creamy, served between homemade brown sugar blondies, which makes it a sweet and bold flavor that’s super fun to eat.

But if durian isn’t your thing, Moo Shu has lots of other exciting flavors to try, like Hong Kong milk tea and White Rabbit.

They also have vegan options like Dalgona and lychee raspberry jam, perfect for anyone who doesn’t eat dairy.

Every scoop of ice cream is inspired by Asian dishes and comes in yummy waffle cones or egg waffle cones that are just as tasty as the ice cream itself.

Besides delicious ice cream, Moo Shu also offers fun workshops where you can learn new things and meet people from the community.

These workshops are led by the Moo Shu team and special guests, covering all sorts of interesting topics. If you want to know more, just send them an email!

The shop is cozy and small, but the friendly staff are always there to help you choose what to get. They even have a "suspended scoop" program where you can buy a scoop for someone else who might need a treat.

The Merry Dairy, located at 102 Fairmont Avenue in Hintonburg, is a fantastic place for ice cream fans in Ottawa. It’s completely nut-free, which means it’s safe for people with nut allergies.

They have a big variety of ice cream options, including dairy and vegan flavors, fresh frozen custard, and fun treats like Merry Pops and ice cream sandwiches.

One of the best things about The Merry Dairy is how they take care of different dietary needs. They offer vegan and dairy-free choices, gluten-free waffle cones, and they clearly label allergens so everyone can enjoy their treats without worry.

Their flavors change often, making it exciting to try new ones, like lavender honey and vegan strawberry coconut. A favorite you shouldn’t miss is their dark chocolate espresso, perfect for chocolate fans.

The shop has a modern feel with outdoor seating, making it a great place to chill and enjoy your ice cream, especially on sunny days.

here’s also a cute soft serve truck outside that adds to the fun. Although the shop can get busy, especially when it’s warm outside, the friendly staff always make sure you have a good experience.

If you’d rather enjoy ice cream at home, you can order online and choose to pick it up or have it delivered.

They even offer free delivery across Ottawa from Wednesday to Saturday between 3-7 pm. And if you’re throwing a party, you can rent their ice cream truck or cart to surprise your guests with delicious treats.

Located near the beautiful Britannia Beach and the Ottawa River pathway, The Beachconers Microcreamery is a fun place that stands out among ice cream shops in Ottawa.

It’s become a popular spot for both locals and tourists. People riding bikes or enjoying the park often stop by, making it a great place to take a break during a day of exploring.

What makes The Beachconers really special is that they make their ice cream by hand, using fresh, local ingredients.

They even have vegan options so everyone can enjoy something sweet. The flavors change regularly, so there’s always something new to try, which keeps people coming back to find their next favorite scoop.

The atmosphere at The Beachconers is just as welcoming as the ice cream. They have outdoor seating with comfy chairs, making it a nice spot to relax and enjoy the local scene.

Families will love The Beachconers because it’s a kid-friendly place where children can enjoy their ice cream happily.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help customers choose from the tasty flavors.

Parking is easy with street parking available, and the shop is conveniently located near biking and walking paths.

If you’re in Ottawa and love sweets, you have to check out Stella Luna Gelato Café! This family-run café is a cozy spot designed for people who can’t get enough gelato.

When you walk in, the smell of fresh coffee wraps around you like a warm blanket. Stella Luna is super famous for its gelato, which even won the title of Best Gelato in Canada at the Gelato World Tour!

It’s made using traditional Italian recipes, and each scoop is creamy and delicious, crafted with 100% Canadian dairy and fancy ingredients like Sicilian pistachios and Bourbon-Madagascar vanilla beans.

If you want something lighter, definitely try their Italian sorbet. It’s dairy-free, vegan, and made with 50% real fruit—perfect for those hot summer days when you want a refreshing treat without feeling bad about it!

But wait, there’s more! Stella Luna also makes awesome gelato cakes that are perfect for any celebration. You can get them custom-designed in three different sizes, and they look as good as they taste.

And if you’re throwing a party, how about a vintage gelato push-cart? It’s a fun catering option that adds a unique touch to weddings and corporate events.

Besides gelato, the café offers a tasty variety of breakfast and lunch items. Pair your meal with a specialty coffee or a refreshing smoothie, and you’re in for a treat!

With friendly service and a menu that changes often, Stella Luna Gelato Café is a favorite hangout in Ottawa, perfect for any time of day.

If you’re out exploring the city, make sure to stop by and enjoy some of the best gelato around!

If you find yourself exploring the lively Byward Market in Ottawa and are in the mood for something refreshing, you should definitely check out Piccolo Grande Artisan Gelateria.

This colorful little spot is a dream come true for anyone who loves gelato. They whip up a tasty selection of gelato, sorbet, and sherbet every day using fresh ingredients, all in small batches.

The flavor options are incredible, with choices like bacio, pistachio, chocolate peanut butter, and coconut for gelato fans.

Piccolo Grande also offers some cool specialty drinks. Have you ever tried an affogato? It’s a scoop of gelato topped with a shot of espresso, perfect for a quick energy boost.

Or, you might enjoy a steamer, which combines gelato with steamed milk served hot. They also have classic milkshakes where you can mix and match your favorite gelato or sorbet flavors.

People can’t stop talking about how creamy and delicious the gelato is, and the portions are bigger than what you’d get at other places.

And, the prices are pretty reasonable, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The staff is super friendly and always happy to help you find your ideal flavor with a sample.

The vibe at Piccolo Grande is just as inviting as the treats. There’s plenty of seating, so it’s a great place to unwind and cool off, especially on a hot summer day.

Located right in the center of Ottawa, Haven's Creamery is a fantastic place for anyone who loves ice cream. This cozy spot has a big, open layout that makes it feel welcoming as soon as you walk in.

They make their ice cream and waffle cones from scratch, which means you can expect some creative and delicious choices.

From standard vanilla to unique vegan and nut-free flavors, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

One of the best things about Haven's Creamery is their focus on quality. They use local ingredients and avoid any artificial colors or flavors, so you can enjoy their generous servings without feeling guilty.

Getting to Haven’s is easy, too. The entrance has a wide doorway and a gentle ramp, making it accessible for everyone. Once you’re inside, the friendly staff will make sure you have a great time.

If you want to enjoy ice cream at home, they offer take-home containers, and their homemade cones are super fresh.

Planning a party? You can even rent their ice cream trike to bring the fun to your event!

And for dog owners, Haven's is pet-friendly and even gives out free small cones for your furry friends. It’s truly a paradise for ice cream lovers in Ottawa!

Carp Custom Creamery in Ottawa is an awesome place where you can enjoy delicious ice cream. This cozy ice cream shop has something for everyone, from classic flavors to amazing ice cream cakes.

They make their creamy treats every day using fresh, local ingredients. With 16 flavors available for scoops and over 40 flavors in take-home tubs, there’s always something new to try.

If you want to treat yourself, their ice cream cakes are a must-have. The cakes feature an Oreo crust filled with either chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

The Reese's PB Cup Ice Cream Cake is loaded with peanut butter cups, peanut butter sauce, and a crunchy fudge cookie topping.

It comes in two sizes, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family. If Skor bars are your thing, check out the SkOreo Ice Cream Cake with layers of Skor bits and Oreo crumbs.

The creamery also thinks about everyone's needs. They offer gluten-free and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.

Even your pets can join in on the fun with doggy cones. There’s an outdoor seating area that’s great for enjoying your ice cream on a sunny day, plus there’s plenty of street parking nearby.

People love the big scoop sizes and the friendly staff who make each visit enjoyable. The flavors change often, so there’s always a new taste to explore.

Tucked away in an industrial area of Ottawa, Chris's Ice Cream is a special little shop that ice cream lovers need to check out.

It shares its space with a coffee roaster, a bakery, and a brewery, making it a lively place to grab a sweet treat.

When you walk in, the yummy smells of fresh ingredients greet you, hinting at all the tasty flavors you can enjoy.

Chris's Ice Cream has lots of options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. If you like classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, or if you want to try something different like moon mist and tiger tail, you’ll find something you love.

They also think about people with dietary needs, offering dairy-free, gluten-free, sorbet, and even keto options, so everyone can enjoy some ice cream.

What makes this ice cream shop special is its commitment to quality and creativity. The ice cream is super rich, creamy, and full of flavor because they use fresh ingredients and the owner's special ice cream-making skills.

The friendly owner is known for giving great customer service, making every visit enjoyable. They sell fun items like stickers and jewelry, which adds to its unique vibe.

So, if you're in Ottawa and looking for a fun ice cream experience, Chris's Ice Cream is a must-visit spot where delicious flavors and community spirit come together perfectly.

Ottawa has a lot of amazing ice cream places, and each one is special in its own way. You can try unique flavors at Moo Shu, enjoy classic treats at The Merry Dairy, or taste the small-batch ice cream at The Beachconers. there's something for anyone who loves ice cream or wants to try something new.

Trying new things is part of the adventure! So, grab your friends or family and go out to enjoy these icy treats.

And remember, ActiviFinder Ottawa can help you find even more fun things to do in the city. Ice cream today, who knows what tomorrow? Go check it out!