Where to Get Cold Sweet Treats in Vancouver This Summer

Vancouver has a sweet tooth, and locals love to indulge in cold sweets treats during the hot summer at one of our many brands of ice cream parlours, gelaterias, and bubble tea (aka "boba") shops. There are plenty of favourite spots with their own unique flavours or ingredients.

Every Vancouver neighbourhood has its spots and favourite dessert places, so explore all the different areas to find the shop that fits your own personal tastes. From the shores of Kitsilano to deep into East Van, find the perfect cold sweet for the summer.

Artisanal Ice Cream

Rain or Shine – Try a favourite of locals known for their fun seasonal flavours, like blueberry balsamic or raspberry Earl Grey, made from the tastiest ingredients.

Earnest Ice Cream – A cult classic of Vancouverites who take ice cream very seriously, they are popular for their wide range of rotating monthly flavours and being vegan-friendly.

La Glace – Looking for a fancier, more elegant dessert? Sample this French-inspired creamery with its delicious flavours and beautiful parlour setting that seems of Parisian elegance.

Soft Peaks – For something lighter, try this Korean-inspired organic soft serve with fine flavours like honeycomb, mango, matcha, and ube.

Elephant Garden Creamery – East Vancouver's Asian-style, small-batch ice creamery specializes in eastern flavours like Vietnamese coffee, milk tea, and black sesame coconut.

Italian Gelato Shops

Bella Gelateria – Go here for some award-winning, authentic Italian-style gelato that tastes like it came straight from Italy, with all the usual flavours.

Cafè Calabria – Visit this local gem, the oldest Italian coffee house in Vancouver, in the heart of Commercial Drive's Little Italy.

La Casa Gelato – Famous for its 238 different flavours, from durian to garlic, checking out this quirky, family-owned and operated shop is a must for any ice cream lover.

Motoretta Gelato – Hit up this cool, modern spot with its time-honoured gelato-making techniques using the best seasonal ingredients for some good old-fashioned gelato that's neither fancy nor pretentious.

D'oro Gelato & Caffè – For the full-on Italian dessert experience, try out this small Italian-owned shop with classic flavours and strong espresso pairings.

Bubble Tea Shops

The Alley – This boba chain is known for its stylish, high-quality drinks featuring housemade tapioca as well as their sharp aesthetic that makes everything look extra delicious.

Boba Run – Taste these fun cereal, latte, matcha, and strawberry-based drinks using fresh ingredients and inspired by Korean culture.

Bubble Bear Cafe – Try all the drink and dessert choices, from classic choices to creative concoctions, made with the freshest toppings and ingredients.