It’s a given that summer and ice cream go hand in hand, and yes, Toronto has some seriously delicious scoops, but Ontario is packed with destinations that are worth the drive for dessert alone! Here are some of the best small-town ice cream stops near Toronto for the ultimate summer road trip.
1. Kawartha Dairy, Bobcaygeon
This is the OG Kawartha Dairy spot, founded in Bobcaygeon in 1937! While there are locations throughout the province (including Toronto), visiting the hometown shop will feel like a rite of passage for any ice cream pilgrimage. Order a scoop of The Tragically Chip, a limited-edition maple whisky ice cream swirled with black cherry ripple and dark chocolate chunks, or stick with fan faves like Black Raspberry Thunder, Cotton Candy, Moose Tracks and Constellation. If you’re lucky, seasonal hits like Moon Mist and Campfire S’mores might also be available. 89 Prince St. W., Bobcaygeon (about 2 hours from Toronto)
2. Slickers County Ice Cream, Bloomfield and Picton
Prince Edward County’s most famous ice cream shop has earned a cult following for turning local ingredients into the most creative flavours that are hard to find anywhere else! Slickers has more than 80 flavours, but regulars swear by Apple Pie, Rhubarb Ginger and even Campfire (think s’mores in a frozen scoop!). Since the shop bakes many of its own cookies, pies and brownies on-site, you can also pick up some freshly baked souvenirs for the ride home. 271 Bloomfield Main St., Bloomfield | 232 Picton Main St., Picton (just over 2 hours from Toronto)
3. The Perfect Scoop Handcrafted Gelato and Ice Cream, Port Perry
Head to downtown Port Perry for frozen-treat perfection: The Perfect Scoop’s small-batch gelato, handcrafted ice cream and sorbetto are made with premium Italian ingredients. Indulge in ice cream flavours like Butter Tart, Brownie Blitz, Cherry Cheesecake and Nutty Coconut-Toasted Marshmallow. Beyond the cones, try the fresh Italian cannoli, affogato or the shop’s signature croffle topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, caramel or strawberry. Finish with a refreshing Pink Grapefruit sorbetto! 158 Water St., Port Perry (just over 1 hour from Toronto)
4. Scoop Ice Cream, Elora
Elora’s picturesque stone buildings, riverside views and charming downtown make it one of Ontario’s most popular day-trip destinations, and Scoop Ice Cream fits right in! The shop handcrafts small-batch ice cream, gelato and sorbet using premium ingredients. Signature scoops include Vanilla Bean (studded with real vanilla beans, naturally), Strawberry Buttermilk, Salted Caramel and Mint Chip made with real garden mint. If you’re feeling a bit extra, order a Cookies and Cream Sundae or Peanut Butter Crunch Sundae, or cool down with a Vanilla Caramel Milkshake before continuing your stroll through town. 58 Mill St. W., Elora (about 1.5 hours from Toronto)
5. PomPom Treat Hut, Thornbury and Meaford
Pom Pom is a cute Grey County pick if you’re exploring the Blue Mountains, Thornbury or Meaford! The rotating menu includes small-batch dairy flavours like Pistachio Toasted Almond, Maple Walnut and Nanaimo Bar, as well as plant-based options like Strawberry Cheesecake and Turmeric Golden Milk. If you’re visiting in the morning, pair your scoop with an espresso drink or affogato. And if you’re really hungry, the shop also serves ice cream sandwiches, popsicles and custom ice cream cakes! 6 Bruce St. North | 25 Sykes St. North (just under 2.5 hours from Toronto)
6. Big Bay General Store, Georgian Bluffs
If you’re willing to venture a little further north, Big Bay General Store has been operating since 1862 and makes all of its ice cream in-house! The store serves up more than 120 recipes, with about two dozen available in-store at a time. Try flavours like Deluxe Cherry Cheesecake with real cherries and cream cheese, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Blueberry, Banana Chip, Tiger Tail or Coconut. Classic favourites include Big Bay Berry, Maple Walnut, Oreo, Nutella and Chocolate Raspberry. 250854 Big Bay Side Rd., Georgian Bluffs (about 3 hours from Toronto)
7. Belly Ice Cream Company, Huntsville
Belly Ice Cream started as a farmers’ market venture and has grown into one of Muskoka’s most-loved ice cream brands! The shop’s open-concept kitchen lets visitors watch production while enjoying a sundae, so definitely a fun stop for foodies. Bonus: everything is made from scratch, including the brownies, marshmallows, fudge and caramel that go into many of its flavours! The menu changes frequently, but signature scoops include Muskoka Maple Mocha, Muskoka S’mores, Blueberry Cheesecake, White Chocolate Lemon and Obscene Chocolate Brownie. Or opt for something a bit more fun, like the Scotch Whiskey with Smoked Almonds & Salted Caramel or even Basil & Lemon. 88/90 West Rd., Huntsville (about 2.5 hours from Toronto)
8. Avondale Dairy Bar, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Avondale has been operating since 1955, making it one of Ontario’s most iconic old-school dairy bars! The shop makes fresh ice cream daily, with flavours like Kahlua Espresso Fudge, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, Salty Caramel Pecan Pie, Bananas Foster, Coconut Almond Joy, and the very aptly named Death By Caffeine. For more indulgence, add one of the deluxe sundaes to your order, like Hot Fudge Turtle, Peanut Butter Paradise or Oreo Fudge & Brownie. If you’re with a friend (or just really hungry), tackle one of the oversized banana splits. 461 Stewart Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake (about 1.5 hours from Toronto)
9. Shaw’s Ice Cream Dairy Bar, St. Thomas
Shaw’s has been serving ice cream lovers across southwestern Ontario since 1948, and the dairy bar remains one of the region’s most popular summer destinations! There are dozens of aptly named flavours available daily, like Betty’s Blueberry Cheesecake, Port Stanley Sunken Treasure, Peanut Butter Boss, Grammy’s Cupboard and the wonderfully fun Unicorn Toots. If you can’t decide, try the famous Elgin Special: it’s a massive sundae that’s perfect for sharing. Or stick with a soft-serve cone dipped in Cookies and Cream, Red Velvet or Salted Caramel coating. 6598 Sunset Rd., St. Thomas (about 2 hours from Toronto)
10. The Purple Pony Ice Cream Shop, Ancaster
This family-owned shop is known for classic hard-scooped ice cream sourced from Ontario producers, and of course, the toy purple ponies scattered throughout the property! Build your perfect cone with toppings like Reese’s chips, cookie crumbs, Scor bits, chocolate chips and gummy bears, then finish it with caramel or strawberry sauce. If you’re sensitive to dairy, the shop even offers creamy goat’s milk ice cream! 346 Wilson St. E., Ancaster (about 1 hour from Toronto)
