Along the beaches of Vancouver, ice cream is shoveled out of concession stands by the bucketload. But if you’re looking for something a little less vanilla, check out these cool spots for a cone.
La Casa Gelato
Offering 500-plus flavours – including curry, durian and blue cheese – this Italian ice cream factory is an East Vancouver institution. Try the latest summertime flavours – cranberry-asparagus and mimosa – or play it safe with garlic. 1033 Venables St., 604-251-3211.
Avalon Dairy
What’s more classic than a country dairy ice cream on a sweltering day? You don’t have to go far for the quaint experience: B.C.’s oldest dairy is still in East Van. Devour a bucket of organic strawberry as you stroll around the 1900s farmhouse. 5805 Wales St., 604-434-2434.
Qoola
Don’t track sand into this eco-chic West End café. Sleek white furnishings attract a stylish set seeking Qoolalas, the shop’s decadent and natural frozen yogurt. 1116 Denman St., 604-801-6338.
Vivo! Gelato
Vancouver’s king of ice cream cakes is Vivo! Gelato. Choose a few flavours and create your own slice of heaven at this artisan creamery in the Kerrisdale quarter. Sorbetto and low-carb gelato also available. 5395 West Blvd., 604-266-7637.
Yaletown Gelato
The three Italian brothers who run this Yaletown parlour offer boozy ubriaco with a shot of Limoncello or Frangelico. For a different kind of buzz, try affogato – ice cream topped with a shot of espresso. 1208 Homer St., 604-689-8531.
Image courtesy of Brian Boulos.
