Where to Find Local Ottawa Ice Cream While Social Distancing
Ice cream outings are a must for me, as the weather gets warmer and I itch to be outside. Ottawa has a surprising amount of unique ways to enjoy this frozen treat in general. It is special how many local and diverse ice cream shops this city has to offer; many are still open for takeout or delivery during these uncertain times. We all could use a tasty 'pick me up', so treat yourself!
Location: 273 Britannia Rd
The Britannia microcreamery makes everything from scratch, with locally sourced ingredients when possible. Their flavours are always changing; Britannia Brownie, Sugar Cookie, Blueberry Lavender, Peanut Butter & Honey and Raspberry Lemon are some of their past rotation. They carry vegan options as well. Beachconers has a prime location right near the Ottawa gem, Brittania Beach. It is attached to the Britannia Coffeehouse – grab a latte or a scone to go with your cone.
Their freezer full of ice cream pints is outside for completely contactless pick up. Gloves and sanitizer available.
Location: 571 Gladstone Ave
This all natural, Ottawa ice cream, is found in a shared kitchen incubator that supports other local food producers. From their take-out window, you can choose from a varying selection of seasonal and signature flavours. They’ve been known to add Ottawa specific treats into their ice cream, such as Suzy Q Doughnuts or Hummingbird chocolate. They have New Zealand style soft serve, as well as hard ice cream, ice cream bars, sandwiches, and unique creations.
Order a minimum order of $40 online here, for contactless home delivery on Saturdays. Plant-based pints available at the Red Apron (pick up or delivery), or online ordering through the Buchipop Burrow shop for dairy based treats.
Location: 102 Fairmont Ave
This picture-perfect shop and truck on the corner, sells handmade frozen treats, both hard ice cream and soft. They have unique seasonal flavours throughout the year such as Peppermint crackle, Irish Breakfast, Blueberry Lemon, London Fog, and Trash Panda. Plant based, vegan versions available. Besides ice cream and soft served custard, they have merry pops, ice cream sandwiches, pies and cakes. Merry Dairy is conscious, offering many nut-free and gluten free options, even in the ice cream cones, which are natural and hand rolled.
Online orders only at this time for pints, ice cream cakes and sandwiches. Parking lot pick up and home delivery available Wednesday to Saturday.
Location: 477 Bank Street
Small batch ice cream from scratch and made with Ontario dairy, they have unique flavours and vegan options! This ice cream shop has a particular flair, due to the fact that the owner grew up between Hong Kong and Vancouver. In addition to ice cream they have pork wontons and vegan ma po tofu if you’re feeling like lunch. Is it Wednesday? Stop by for Bubble Waffle Wednesday, all day long with the ice cream. Check out the Hong Kong Lennon wall in the shop, to show support and solidarity from Ottawa. If you choose to add a post it – keep it positive!
Location: 492 Rochester St
This little slice of Italy sells quality gelato, in addition to pizza and other savoury treats. Chocolate dipped gelato bars, mini gelato cones, and standard scoops sold in a variety of flavours. Find European classic flavours like Stracciatella and espresso. Vegan options too! It is always takeout style, no set menu and first come first served. You may be familiar with them from spotting their gelato bike at a local event.
Orders must be phoned in and paid before a curbside pickup, or find them on Uber Eats.
Location: 1103 Bank St / 1130 Wellington St W / 111 Main St E
Authentic style gelato in a European café setting. They pride themselves on their coffee and other hot beverages, as well as gelato. The owner and master chef was trained in Italy, serving up delicious eats and treats all day, in their family owned and operated restaurant café. Stella Luna Gelato has been previously awarded the best in Canada; always fresh, small batch and from scratch. Italian sorbet available as a vegan option.
Currently open for takeout only. Call ahead if you want to avoid pickup at the shop and they can place it in the trunk of your car on arrival. Find them on Door Dash for delivery.
Location: 34 Murray St
Fresh, rich, American style ice cream and sorbet made in small batches. They have all your favourite childhood snacks and guilty pleasure treats in the form of ice cream. Oh the flavours! Mini egg, stroopwafel, cinnamon heart, orange creamsicle, cinnamon toast crunch, strawberry cheesecake, froot loops… the list goes on. All flavours available in half pint sizes, but you can reach out for a larger custom order.
Order online to have it shipped to your front door! Keep an eye on @chrissicecream for occasional free delivery days in Ottawa.
Location: 102 - 55 Murray St
“Maybe the best ice cream shop in the world.” Italian gelato from the finest ingredients, including imported flavourings from Italy. They have quality gelato and an espresso bar in a bright, charming space located in Ottawa’s Byward Market. The gelato is made in small batches at their location, along with sorbet, including vegan options. You can even get sweet drinks with the gelato, like a cold Affogato or Hot Chocolate.
Order through this google form, via email or phone call. Curb side pickup available Tuesday to Sunday, call upon arrival. Menu will change and be updated weekly.
Location: 217 Bank St
A modern take on a classic treat; Magic Molecule makes ice cream with liquid nitrogen. They have scoops, sundaes, floats, ice cream waffles and even bubble tea! Smooth, creamy ice cream made in a fun way; the staff may put on a bit of a show creating it in front of you. Their various ‘Pop-ice’ flavours are a crowd favourite, the fruit options always fresh.
Order now through Skip the Dishes.
Location: 87 Murray St
Award winning Italian gelato, with a ‘made in Italy’ mentality. Their location downtown Ottawa is a bright, spacious, ornate location that will transport you to Europe. The café offers pastries and desserts, as well as quality coffee; going beyond the typical scoop of gelato. Enjoy fruit sorbets, creamy flavours, and unique Italian ideas.
Currently, 500g containers of gelato are available, as well as single serve tiramisu and tins of espresso coffee. Call to place your order for curbside pick-up, Thursday to Sunday.
Location: 1001 Beaverbrook Rd
Transport back in time to when soft served was all the rage, and flavour swirls were the hot new thing. Don’t let its hole-in the wall appearance fool you. A relatively unknown local ice cream joint, it is a Kanata neighbourhood favourite. Those who have lived nearby have all of the best things to say about Brett’s, tied to fond childhood memories. It is a go-to spot in Ottawa for quality soft served ice cream.
Spot Brett’s by the entrance to the auto service! Open for pick up at their window.
Jo Jo's Creameria, Carp Custom Creamery, Crêperie Rim, Coco's Café Creamery and Oat and Mill are also providing safe ways to get ice cream right now.
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