Halifax's Coolest Ice Cream Shops

Adored by locals, this little nook offers some of the best soft-serve ice cream in Halifax. The Dairy Bar is known for their rotating menu of inventive ice cream flavours, such as black sesame, cinnamon coffee, and blueberry basil, to name a few. Stop by for a decadent sundae and enjoy it among the lush flora of the Halifax Public Gardens for the sweetest escape from the bustling city streets.

Dee Dee’s boasts a curated selection of classic and innovative flavours, crafted with the finest locally-sourced ingredients. From velvety smooth vanilla and indulgent Mexican chocolate to adventurous creations like banana cardamom and orange star anise, there’s a flavour for every palate. For those seeking dairy-free delights, their sorbets are the perfect way to refresh in the hot summer sun. Dee Dee’s is one of the only spots in Nova Scotia that makes their sorbets with organic cane sugar, so you’re bound to experience high-quality flavours. What sets Dee Dee’s apart from the crowd is their decadent ice cream cakes, made with a rich cake base with your choice of ice cream flavours and toppings. With so much to love, it’s no question why Dee Dee’s has been a favourite among locals and visitors for years.

Located in the Queen’s Marque district, this trendy shop offers mistifying ice cream, cookies and doughnuts. Indulge in a soft-serve cone, adorned with everything from churros to gold flakes, served atop their housemade “fog”, a delicate spun-to-order bed of cotton candy. If soft-serve isn’t your jam, this spot also serves Canadian-inspired small-batch churned ice cream and dairy-free sorbets. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for the “Sweet-za”, a dessert pizza topped with chocolate ice cream, fudge sauce, caramel, and brownie chunks.

Dairy-free ice cream might be easy to find, but dairy-free soft-serve? Not so much. That’s what makes The Little Ice Cream Shop such a gem. Cruise out along the famed scenic Lighthouse Route and pull over to cool off with a sweet treat from this adorable little joint. You’ll find churned and soft-serve ice cream here, in addition to a variety of milkshakes and whimsical sundaes, all offered with vegan versions in a selection of revolving flavours. 

It’s no question that COWS is an udderly fantastic choice for ice cream in Halifax. If you’re looking for super rich and creamy flavours, you’ll find them here – all flavours are handmade and made of the highest quality ingredients, including 16% butterfat. Step inside to find an assortment of mouthwatering flavours with clever names, such as Wowie Cowie, Royal Cownadian Mint, and Messie Bessie, to name a few. Don’t skip on a premium waffle cone with a chocolate rim and topped with sprinkles, made fresh in-house all day long — you’ll know you’re in the right place when you smell the sweet aroma of waffles wafting your way.

If you’re in search of some ice cream made with a lot of love, look no further than the Halifax Cheese Shop. While working as a flight attendant for 15 years, Sarah, the owner of the Halifax Cheese Shop, sought out, sampled, and savoured the world’s best ice cream parlours. When she became inspired by her findings, she wanted to share a taste with Halifax. From there, the Ice Cream Shoppe, a summertime pop-up at the Halifax Cheese Shop was born. This North End nook is one of the only spots to offer true artisan small-batch ice cream. Fueled by a dream of using simple, minimal pantry ingredients, small batches are painstakingly and lovingly churned using real, natural ingredients, offering flavours from mint chip to Nova Scotian strawberry, Madagascar vanilla, and more. In all, the small-batch process here takes approximately 24 hours for four quarts of ice cream magic to be made. 

From chocolate to meringue, macarons, and more, Rousseau Chocolatier is known for their decadent creations and impeccable craftsmanship. In the summer months, this sunny nook whips up incredible soft-serve ice cream and sorbet with weekly rotating flavours. The sundaes are the star of the show, with weekly creations from “S’mores” to “Peachy Pie”, served with premium sauces and toppings, all made in-house. 

Go beyond a classic cone and indulge in a bubble waffle cone at Portland Street Crêperie. This family-owned downtown Dartmouth nook offers European-style sweet and savoury crêpes, and when the weather gets warmer, they offer specialty bubble waffle cones. This spot serves up a variety of ice cream flavours with specialty toppings, from salty caramel to strawberry shortcake, and more. If you’re looking for a decadent Insta-worthy cone, you’ll find it here.

If you’re looking for authentic gelato, you’ll find it at Pane e Circo. Cool down with a cup or a cone of artisan gelato or sorbet from Pane e Circo’s gelato bikes, located both on the Halifax waterfront near The Bicycle Thief and at the Doyle Shops, just steps from Spring Garden Road. Gelato and sorbet flavours are crafted in-house every morning by Pane e Circo’s pastry chefs, so you’re sure to experience some of the freshest flavours in the city. 

After running his own ice cream shop in Syria, Samer Aljokhadar wanted to bring a taste of his home country to Canada. Booza Emessa was born, and has been serving some of Halifax’s favourite ice cream since then. What sets Syrian ice cream apart from what you’d typically find in Canada? Syrian ice cream is thicker than normal Canadian fare. Although served in more than one way, the traditional Syrian ice cream appears as a roll with nuts, or pistachios, sprinkled on the outside. This unique texture makes the ice cream hold up better than regular ice cream, so it’s perfect for enjoying on Halifax’s hottest days.

When it comes to Halifax’s most adorable cone, Taiyaki 52 takes the cake. Taiyaki (たい焼き) is a traditional Japanese dessert that resembles a waffle or pancake. The word “tai” translates to sea bream and “yaki” means baked or grilled. Try a Jawdropper cone, featuring housemade soft-serve in a taiyaki cone with your choice of filling, topped with corn puffs, Pocky sticks, and sprinkles — not only is this ice cream decadent, it’s also one of the most Instagrammable treats in the city.

If you’re looking for a charming spot to grab a cone and wander, look no further than Jo’s Old Time Candy & Ice Cream Parlour. This old-school sweet shop offers over 30 ice cream flavours, and if you’re a fan of Dole Whip, you can get it here. Nestled in Fisherman’s Cove, the 200-year-old fishing village lends the perfect backdrop to enjoy your ice cream. Wander the quaint village, lined with colourful little shacks, and stroll the shores of MacCormacks Beach for the most adorable ice cream date ever.

Looking for a spot that’s sure to satisfy your sugar craving? Look no further than Sugah!, a local shop serving up ice cream, salt water taffy, fudge, brittles and sweets from around the world. With over 15 years in business, it’s no question that this spot does dessert right. Sugah! Also shares a space with Rum Runners Rum Cake Factory that uses an original, traditional rum cake recipe from the 1920s. 

Cool down with some specialty frozen treats from Chicken Little Café. This sweet spot offers hard scoops and soft serve ice cream, perfect for all crowds. Take your cone to the next level with specialty toppings and chocolate dip, or go for an extra decadent super sundae, topped with premium treats, sauces, and a few dollops of whipped cream. You’ll also find a variety of classic milkshakes here, or if you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, try a hurricane, Chicken Little’s version of a Dairy Queen Blizzard or a McDonald’s McFlurry. Come for the ice cream, and stay for a show; plan a date with your best friends, family, or partner and catch an outdoor movie screening throughout the summer at this adorable little joint. 

Cool down on the Halifax waterfront with a cone of premium, locally-made ice cream from Black Bear. This spot offers an expansive menu of churned and soft-serve flavours, including milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, floats, and slushies. This is the ultimate spot to grab a banana split and take in all the sights of the Halifax Harbour.