The Best Ice Cream Shops in Montreal
What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than with a delicious ice cream? The origins of ice cream date back to ancient times, when the Roman Emperor Nero enjoyed a sorbet-like frozen dessert made with fruit, honey and snow imported directly from the Alps!
Over time, various regions of the world have developed their own recipes, from China to the Middle East, and from Italy to the United States. Today, there is a huge variety of ice cream products with infinite flavour possibilities. Whether it’s ice cream, sorbet or gelati, most people love these delights in all their forms because they’re creamy, sweet and satisfying.
Among Montreal’s diverse gastronomic offer, the city is full of places where you can enjoy excellent artisanal ice cream. While brief, it is important to take advantage of Montreal’s beautiful summers. What better way than to offer a list of the best ice creams in town!
We also invite you to consult the list of the best vegan ice cream in Montreal.
Best ice cream shops
Iconoglace :
Everything at Iconoglace is homemade, even the waffle cones. Their slushies are made with real fruit and organic maple water—no artificial ingredients whatsoever! In addition to their popular Bélanger location, which has drawn crowds for several summers, the famous brand is unveiling a brand-new address on Laurier West, promising a delicious summer filled with artisanal ice cream.
Atelier Mélilot :
New this year, the founders of Pâtisserie Mélilot have opened a new ice cream shop in Outremont, just steps away from their bakery. They offer several unique flavors, including kouign amann ice cream and floral tea sorbet.
Ca Lem :
Ca Lem is an ice cream shop near the Loyola Campus of Concordia University in Montreal West, offering delicious ice cream. The place is warm and inviting, with a charming little terrace that adds to the experience. With nearly 20 flavors, there’s something for everyone—including a special flavor of the week! You’ll likely spot plenty of happy students, which is always a good sign. If this location is too far for you, they also have four other branches in Lachine, Laval, Old Montreal, and Atwater.
SWIRL :
Nestled on Rachel Street, at the corner of Laval, SWIRL ice cream shop serves up delicious coconut milk-based ice cream that’s vegan and lactose-free, along with flavorful sorbets made from real fruit. The black-and-white minimalist decor gives the space a trendy, modern vibe. Of course, the must-try treat is the signature swirl—ice cream and sorbet combined into one delightful creation!
Virevent :
Le Virevent is an artisanal ice cream counter in Ahuntsic, located on Promenade Fleury. Each season, it draws plenty of regulars who just can’t go without its delicious homemade ice cream during the summer months. It’s a welcoming, family-friendly spot that has become a neighborhood favorite!
Crèmerie Dalla Rose :
Located in St-Henri, the cozy ice cream shop Dalla Rose serves up some of the best ice cream in town! You’ll find a variety of unique flavors, along with six different ice cream sandwiches that change based on the chef’s inspiration. Their specialty? Mouthwatering ice cream sandwiches made fresh to order. Pick your biscuit flavors, choose your ice cream, and enjoy one of the best frozen treats of the summer. The high-quality ingredients truly elevate the exceptional taste of each creation.
Crèmerie Dalla Rose Mile-End :
A new location at Nita Tout Garnie has arrived, open seven days a week until 11 PM. You can even enjoy your delicious ice cream paired with a great glass of wine—perfect for a sweet and relaxed happy hour!
Crèmerie Meu Meu :
Meu Meu’s ice cream is always exceptional. The tiny shop offers a warm welcome, where every customer is treated like a friend. The staff’s attentive service adds to the charm, as proven by the wall filled with photos of regulars who have become part of the place’s story. Their homemade frozen yogurts and the owner’s unique flavors make this St-Denis gem a must-visit. The quality here is simply impeccable!
Meetha :
A hidden gem in Parc-Ex, Crèmerie Meetha offers delicious and surprising ice creams inspired by the flavors of India. A guaranteed taste adventure
Hoche Glacé :
Located in Hochelaga, this ice cream shop offers a fantastic variety of Italian-style gelato, along with plenty of vegan options. And the best part? Everything is 100% homemade!
Pizzéria Gema :
We’ve already mentioned Gema as one of Montreal’s top pizza spots, but did you know they also have an exceptional soft-serve ice cream counter? Chef Michele Forgione has perfected a soft-serve recipe that has quickly become one of our favorites in the city. Whether you go for vanilla or chocolate, topped with chocolate or caramel, every bite is pure delight!
Les chocolats de Chloé :
Known for its divine chocolates, this spot also offers seasonal frozen treats from late May/early June to September. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a chocolate-dipped cone, fruity popsicles, double chocolate pops, and plenty more delicious options!
Les Givrés :
The duo of owners, Martin and Alexandre, craft some of the best artisanal ice cream in the city! You may have spotted their products in grocery stores, but nothing beats the refreshing experience of visiting their ice cream shop. Les Givrés now has three locations—one on Castelnau East, one on Ontario Street, and another on Masson Street. We absolutely love all their delicious flavors! If you have a special occasion to celebrate at home, their decadent frozen pastries are also a must-try.
Le Bilboquet :
Le Bilboquet was founded in 1983 and has since become a true Montreal ice cream institution. With over 40 flavors to choose from, it’s an essential stop for any ice cream lover. To make their renowned treats more accessible, they now have multiple locations, helping you skip long lines while still indulging in their delicious creations!
Kem CoBa :
Kem CoBa, which means “Auntie’s Ice Cream 3” in Vietnamese, was supposedly the nickname given to co-owner Ngoc by her niece. The shop offers a selection of delicious homemade ice creams and fresh sorbets. The quality of their products, the unique flavors, and their Asian-inspired pastries make this spot truly special. Just be prepared—the lines can get dizzyingly long! For a smoother experience, we recommend visiting during off-peak hours
Crèmerie Bo-Bec :
Bo-Bec is an artisanal ice cream shop nestled in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal. Located near Laurier Park, it has a charming, old-school feel—no surprise, as it first opened its doors on Laurier East in 1989. Here, you’ll find more than 20 flavors of handcrafted ice cream alongside the classic soft-serve. For those on the go, there’s also a self-serve counter where you can grab a treat to take with you.
Café San Gennaro :
Café San Gennaro is featured on our list of the best Italian cafés in Montreal. Here, you can enjoy excellent pizza al taglio and sip on top-quality Italian coffee. The small pastel-colored space, with its friendly staff, also has a lovely gelato section to satisfy your cravings. Between the atmosphere and the flavors, this spot transports you elsewhere—it’s simply charming!
Havre aux Glaces :
Le Havre-aux-glaces is a fantastic artisanal ice cream shop serving exquisite ice creams and sorbets! Their flavors change with the seasons—for example, in summer, their specialty sorbets showcase Quebec-inspired flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry. Year-round, you’ll find decadent options like 72% chocolate, pistachio, apricot milk, and the standout favorite—maple brûlé caramel.
Café Mollo :
Café Mollo, both a café and gelateria, is nestled in Pointe-Saint-Charles and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Their ice cream is made fresh on-site, right behind the counter! Flavors rotate constantly, ensuring a selection crafted from the freshest ingredients—standouts include green apple and mango. However, the undisputed customer favorite remains the rich and flavorful coffee ice cream made with ZAB coffee
Ripples :
As soon as summer arrives, Ripples opens its doors, and the crowds rush in. For more than 20 years, this ice cream shop on Boulevard St-Laurent has been serving up sublime frozen treats! They offer around 30 flavors, including standout favorites like 6X chocolate and French vanilla. You’ll also find sorbets, frozen yogurts, and all kinds of Blizzards. If you’re passing through Boulevard St-Laurent, this spot is a must-try. And great news—Ripples recently opened a second location in Mile-End, bringing even more joy to ice cream lovers!
Bouza :
Located on Boulevard Saint-Martin West in Laval, Bouza stands out for its frozen creations inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. While visitors may come at first for the ice cream, they often return for the delicious frozen desserts and pastries. A must-try at this spot is the Ashta, a standout flavor made with milk, sugar, mastic, and delicately infused with rose water. It’s topped with crushed pistachios, offering a refined and well-balanced sweetness.
