Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Ottawa

There are so many ice cream options for a family to enjoy when out and about in the summer, and with so many choices, why settle for boring? Here are our picks the best ice cream in Ottawa — unique flavours, fun dips and add-ins, variety and flavour. It’s the very best of the good stuff in the capital.

We all scream…

Top Spots for Ice Cream in Ottawa

La Cigale

Located in Chelsea, just across from downtown is the brightly coloured building of La Cigale (they’ve also just opened a new location in Farrellton). This is a local favourite, serving up homemade sorbets and ice cream (we recommend the raspberry and white chocolate). Choose from the type of cone you like best (regular, sugar or waffle), or take your ice cream in a cup. No matter your choice, lounge on one of their Muskoka chairs in their grassy yard to enjoy the treat. You can even order some of their products like cakes and pies in advance for pickup.

Chocolat Favoris

With locations in Orleans, Barrhaven, and Kanata, Chocolat Favoris adds a little adventure when selecting ice cream. Each cone is dipped in chocolate, but what we love is that there is a variety of chocolate dip to choose from, from milk chocolate to hazelnut, cookies and cream and more. We love this choose-your-own-adventure ice cream! Tip: You can order some of their treats for delivery!

The Merry Dairy

This is not your regular ice cream truck. Merry Dairy serves frozen treats and drool-worthy ice cream in Ottawa and can be found in various places across the city in the summer—visit their website to keep up to date on where the next stop will be (you don’t want to miss it). Can’t wait? Visit their shop at 102 Fairmont Avenue. Ready to party with ice cream? The Merry Dairy Cart and Truck are available to rent for your next family reunion or summer event. Even better: Get your ice cream delivered right to your door with their free delivery option. Choose from their tasty pints, ice cream sandwiches, cakes or their ice cream float kit!

Pascale’s All Natural Ice Cream

Made with natural ingredients and sold only in select locations and shops across the city or online on their website, Pascale’s ice cream is a tasty treat no matter how hot it is outside. With special seasonal flavours like avocado honey and lime, and their signature selection that includes passion fruit and peanut butter salted caramel, it’s easy to see (and taste) why Pascale’s is so popular.

Purdy’s Chocolatier

You may usually go to Purdy’s for their chocolate, but with three locations across Ottawa, it’s also a delicious spot to grab an ice cream cone or specialty dipped ice cream bar—which the kids love (who doesn’t love ice cream on a stick?)

Purdy’s is known for their mouth watering chocolate so it’s no surprise that their ice cream is just as enticing.

Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen

Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen is scooping up flavour at 477 Bank Street. Their menu rotates often and includes vegan options. Order in advance online for pick up. Choose a pint (like the Lime Leaf and Fresh Mint), or indulge in an ice cream sandwich or dipped ice cream bar. You can even order waffle cones.