14 Vancouver Spots for a Scoop
Vancouver’s ice cream game is next-level—artisan flavors, wild swirls, and cones so photogenic you’ll hesitate before the first lick. These spots serve up creamy perfection, from classic soft-serve to boundary-pushing creations.
1. Earnest Ice Cream (Multiple Locations)
Vibe: The holy grail of Vancouver ice cream—a cozy, minimalist shop where flavors change seasonally and everything is made in-house. Think exposed brick, hipster-approved typography, and a line that snakes out the door.
Must Order: Whiskey Hazelnut (rich, boozy, and nutty) or London Fog (Earl Grey-infused dreaminess).
Pro Tip: Get the waffle cone—it’s freshly made and smells like heaven.
2. Rain or Shine Ice Cream (Multiple Locations)
Vibe: A bright, cheerful spot with a surf-shack-meets-science-lab aesthetic. Their "local love" ethos means ingredients are sourced from BC farms.
Must Order: Blueberry Balsamic (tangy-sweet perfection) or Honey Lavender (floral, creamy, and oh-so-Vancouver).
Bonus: Try their "Ice Cream Flight" to sample four flavors in mini-waffle cones.
3. Soft Peaks (Gastown)
Vibe: Korean-inspired soft-serve served in a sleek, wood-and-white space with hanging milk bottles. The texture is so smooth it’s basically edible silk.
Must Order: Honeycomb Peak (airy soft-serve topped with a chunk of real honeycomb—sweet, crunchy, and iconic).
Pro Tip: Ask for extra honey drizzle—trust us.
4. Gelato Mafia (Commercial Drive)
Vibe: A moody, black-walled Godfather-themed gelateria where flavors change daily and loyalty is non-negotiable. Think Italian nonna meets East Van edge.
Must Order: Stracciatella (vanilla gelato with dark chocolate shards—simple, perfect) or Olive Oil & Sea Salt (sweet, savory, and weirdly addictive).
Pro Tip: Ask for a "spike" of espresso poured over your scoop—it’s an Italian tradition.
5. Mister Artisan Ice Cream (Yaletown)
Vibe: A moody, speakeasy-style spot where ice cream is served under a glass cloche filled with nitro smoke. Fancy? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Must Order: Dolce Latte (espresso soft-serve with a shot of affogato) or Matcha Black Sesame (earthy and nutty).
Instagram Moment: The "Nitrogen Ice Cream" presentation is pure drama.
6. Elephant Garden Creamery (Chinatown)
Vibe: A retro Hong Kong-inspired parlor with pastel walls, neon signs, and flavors that blend East-West nostalgia.
Must Order: Mango Pomelo Sago (creamy, fruity, with chewy sago pearls) or Black Sesame (toasty and rich).
Bonus: Their bubble waffle cones are crispy, buttery, and life-changing.
7. Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery (Burnaby Heights)
Vibe: A 1950s-style diner with red vinyl booths, a jukebox, and sundaes served in tulip glasses. Pure nostalgia.
Must Order: The "Glenburn Special" (vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, peanuts, and a cherry—simple, classic, perfect).
Throwback Move: Order a milkshake—they’re thick enough to stand a spoon in.
8. Beta5 Chocolates + Cream (East Van)
Vibe: A modern industrial space where chocolate and ice cream collide. Known for their "cream puffs," but their soft-serve is secretly the star.
Must Order: Salted Caramel Soft-Serve (swirled high and topped with a chocolate-dipped cone).
Pro Move: Pair it with one of their famous chocolates—salted butter caramel is a must.
9. Perverted Ice Cream (West End & Robson)
Vibe: A cheeky, neon-lit spot with NSFW names and vegan-friendly options. The vibe is fun, rebellious, and unapologetically extra.
Must Order: "Basic Btch"* (vanilla with rainbow sprinkles) or "Netflix & Chill’d" (vegan peanut butter with pretzels).
For the ‘Gram: Their pastel swirls and sprinkle-loaded cones are made for likes.
10. Motoretta Gelato (East Van & North Van)
Vibe: A retro-futuristic Vespa-themed shop where gelato is churned fresh daily. Bright colors, checkered floors, and a very Instagrammable neon sign.
Must Order: Pistachio di Bronte (real Sicilian pistachios, creamy and nutty) or Lemon Ricotta (tangy, smooth, and refreshing).
Bonus: Their vegan options (like coconut-based chocolate) are shockingly good.
11. Uno Gelato (West End & Kitsilano)
Vibe: A tiny, no-frills gelato counter where the focus is all on flavor. Authentic Italian recipes, zero gimmicks—just perfect scoops.
Must Order: Fior di Latte (pure, milky sweetness) or Dark Chocolate Sorbetto (vegan, intense, and fudgy).
Local Secret: Their affogato (espresso + gelato) is the best afternoon pick-me-up.
12. La Glace (Downtown & North Van)
Vibe: A Parisian-style glacier with marble counters, gold accents, and flavors so elegant you’ll feel fancier just holding a cone.
Must Order: Salted Caramel (buttery, smoky, with a touch of fleur de sel) or Hazelnut Praline (like Nutella, but luxe).
Instagram Moment: Their macaron ice cream sandwiches are almost too pretty to eat.
13. Tutto Belle Il Gelato (Mount Pleasant)
Vibe: A hidden gem with a rustic Italian vibe—think wooden barrels, handwritten chalkboard menus, and a nonna-approved stamp of authenticity.
Must Order: Tiramisu (boozy, coffee-kissed, with mascarpone swirls) or Ricotta & Fig (creamy, fruity, and subtly sweet).
Pro Tip: Ask for a "gelato panino" (scoops pressed between brioche buns—yes, it’s a thing).
14. Elephant Garden Creamery (Chinatown)
Vibe: A pastel-hued Hong Kong-style parlour where nostalgia meets modern flair. Neon signs, cheeky menu names, and flavors that’ll teleport you to a 90s cha chaan teng.
Must Order: Milk Tea (Earl Grey-infused, topped with tapioca pearls) or Black Sesame (toasty, rich, and ultra-smooth).
Pro Move: Get it in a bubble waffle cone—crispy, buttery, and 100% necessary.
Vancouver’s ice cream scene is as diverse as the city itself—whether you’re into smoky nitro treats, nostalgic sundaes, or wild Asian-inspired flavors, there’s a cone (or cup) with your name on it. Pro tip: Come hungry, and maybe wear stretchy pants. 🍦✨
