Summer’s almost over (eep!), and we’re determined to squeeze out every last bit of it. In anticipation of this very moment, we’ve been “taste testing” local ice cream spots all summer long in order to compile a list of local spots we’re hustling back to — for scoops, sundaes, cookies, and/or shakes — before our appetites shut down for the season. Bonus: Since this week is shaping up to stay warm, we figure it’s the perfect time to load up on the stuff!

Located at 2295 East Hastings Street (at Garden), Plain Jane Ice Cream is the new 200sqft ice cream venture from Miki Ellis and Stephen Whiteside. For this sweet new concept, the duo have partnered up with Devon Towler, of Thank You Pizza. Two ‘Little Jem‘ machines pump out tasty – but “not too sweet” – flavours made with a base of Organic Avalon ice cream, mixed with a variety of fresh fruits and other good things.

New on the Vancouver ice cream scene as of Spring 2024, Killer Ice Cream was founded by artist and designer, Leslie Glik, on the principle of using all-natural, good ingredients to create treats for fellow health-conscious sweets-lovers. This twee little shop on the border of Kits and West Point Grey takes its name from the killer whale, and is also all about advocating for orcas.

Annabelle’s, the much-anticipated, namesake Chinatown bakery and gelato shop owned and operated by Vancouver bakery and restaurant industry vet, Annabelle Choi (alongside seasoned local baker Sabine Thorson) is newly opened in Chinatown. Intriguing temptations so far include gelato flavours like roasted barley with shoyu caramel and vermouth roasted strawberry served in black sesame puffed tapioca buns; plus, a signature house-made pistachio gelato affogato using single-origin espresso from Luna Coffee.

Glenburn Soda Fountain in Burnaby Heights does a good job of delivering on their name. Owners and neighbourhood residents, Ron and Roberta LaQuaglia, opened their retro-inspired shop in 2013, offering a vast menu of ice cream desserts and other sugar buzz-inducing, novelty sweets reminiscent of an old time Soda Fountain shop – and they do it right. Our fave: the vanilla malt milkshake wins every time!

Tona is definitely a splurge – but take our word for it, it is so worth the money. Rotating flavours made locally, announced weekly. Get them at Oide.

Earnest Ice Cream just launched their September flavours: Chocolate Malt; Pumpkin Spice Latte; Sweet Corn Blueberry Swirl; Vegan Blackcurrant Ripple; and Vegan Mocha Brownie. Seasonal flavours complement the solid line-up of year round favourites and (we think) they make one of the best sundaes in town.

We’ve been big fans of Eleanor Chow Waterfall’s baking since she launched Cadeaux Bakery on Powell Street back in 2012. Cadeaux always has an impressive line-up of cookies, cakes, squares and pastries…as well as ice cream sundaes and sandwiches available every Saturday during the summertime (through September)!

Good ingredients, traditional techniques and Italian inspiration are behind Kitchen Table’s gelato spot, Motoretta, which opened in the ground floor corner spot of Fairmont Pacific Rim in Summer 2022.

Consistently excellent, decadently dense ice cream made in-house with liquid nitrogen, Mister uses all-natural and mostly locally-sourced ingredients. Mister’s second Kits location, which opened in 2022, also has a frozen banana game all its own; and the new Robson Street location is within walking distance of the Coal Harbour Seawall for a stroll.

The Hype Chocolate ice cream game is tight. Choose your soft serve or scooped ice cream flavour, and then load on the toppings for extra enjoyment (think, the ‘good stuff’: everything from Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms, to Reese’s Pieces, marshmallows and Nerds candies).

Track down Crema Ice Cream’s roving refrigerated truck or bicycle situation for unique, Asian and Latin American inspired flavours made using primarily local, in-season and ethically-sourced ingredients.

Did we miss your favourite local spot for ice cream? Let us know in the comments below!