Cool off at Montreal’s best local ice cream shops
The Montreal summer can be hot. Very hot! While some flee to the pools to cool off, others turn to something a little more... sweet. From plain vanilla to flavours you won't even know how to pronounce, these ice cream shops have what it takes to keep you cool, comfortable and very much satisfied. [Feature photo: L'Armoire à glaces]
Fous Desserts
809, av Laurier E, Montréal, QC H2J 1G2At Fous desserts, it’s not only about pastries, chocolates and sweets (although you can’t go wrong with those). You'll also find a delicious assortment of gelatos and ice creams to make you lament that one day summer will end. While you can’t stop the changing of the seasons, you can get down to Fous desserts to try their ice cream as soon as possible. We suggest that you do!
Cremerie
4458 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2J 2L1A real must for any afternoon spent on Saint-Denis Street, Meu Meu beckons with its bright yellow storefront and sinfully creamy frozen custards, ice cream and sorbets. Here, those who like healthy choices will rejoice over the frozen soy, itself worthy of a detour. For me, though, it’s all about the coconut sorbet!
Pile Ou Glace
7084, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3E2We love this terrace located in Little Italy, but we love the food there even more. And on a hot summer’s day, it’s their cold treats in particular that grab our attention. Pineapple, berries, candied chestnut, rum-raisin, white chocolate, peach... the choice, albeit a difficult one, is very much yours. Enjoy!
L'Armoire A Glaces Halte Gourmande Inc
6220, rue Saint-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2S 2M2This friendly ice cream shop in Plaza St-Hubert offers not only addictively good ice cream, but also gelato and sorbet making workshops for children. You’re sure to find your flavour at this establishment, as are lactose intolerant folks, who will be pleasantly surprised with the selection available. While these details are all very nice, the real issue is whether you’ll dare to dip your cone in 55% dark chocolate or salted caramel.
Havre-aux-Glaces
7070 av Henri Julien, Montréal, QC H2S 2S3It’s summer, it’s hot and Montrealers are set on filling their bags at the Jean-Talon Market. If you’ve followed the crowds this far, it would be a sin not to make a stop on Henri-Julien to order up a good cone or sorbet. Havre aux glaces’ menu includes about 25 flavours including ginger, pink grapefruit, pear and Sortilège. Make a few trips to the market this summer and you could try them all!
Le Glacier Bilboquet
1311, av Bernard, Outremont, QC H2V 1W1Building on the deserved reputation of its outrageously good frozen treats, this ice cream parlour continues its impressive growth. In addition to several outlets around Montreal, you’ll also find its flavours gracing the shelves of select grocery stores, ready for you to take home and enjoy. But a freshly scooped cone on a hot day is how we choose to indulge. How can we resist its raspberry frozen yogurt or a cone of honey-lavender or maple taffy ice cream?
KemCoba
60, av Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2“It’s time for a soft serve,” according to Kem CoBa, and who are we to say no? The brainchild of a pastry chef and chocolatier couple, this establishment simply couldn’t miss. And it’s down to us, fortunate Montrealers that we are, to enjoy the fruits of their labour: ice cream, delicious, creamy ice cream. Taste the Indian chai and you’ll be talking about it for days.
Dolce Vita Bakery
5670 Rue Jarry E, Saint-Léonard, QC H1P 1V4If you’re in Kirkland during the summer, you pretty much have to stop at Dolce Vita to complete your day with a single or double scoop gelato cone. With nearly 50 flavours to choose from, the biggest obstacle standing in the way of frozen bliss is indecision as you attempt to make your selection. Good luck!
Léo Le Glacier
941 av Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2L 1B7Leo has 24 enticing ice cream flavours ready to tickle your taste buds in the heart of the Plateau. He entices us with quality local ingredients where possible and an array of mouth-watering flavours including pistachio, figs, and even an orange-poppy flower cone. How can you possibly say no?
Ripples Crème Glacée
3880, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y2At Ripples you’ll find a wonderland of frozen treats to make your hot summer day that much better. With ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt on the menu there’s something for everyone. We have no doubt you'll say yes to ice cream flavours like truffle, green tea, cappuccino or Oreo cookie.
