By Misty Pratt –
After a long and cold Ottawa winter, everyone is ready for a bit of heat.
Patios spill over with thirsty patrons, the beach is dotted with sun worshippers and bike paths are busy again. Then the dog days of summer hit and even the hardiest of beach goers are ready for a cool-down.
What better way to beat the heat than with something cold, creamy and delicious? Kitchissippi is the place to be in Ottawa when it comes to ice cream, milkshakes, popsicles and icy treats. With so many great options, you may want to consider sampling them all!
Begin your ice-cream crawl in Hintonburg at Suzy Q Donuts (969 Wellington St. W.) where staff is serving up their popular doughnut ice cream sandwiches again this summer.
Stella Luna Gelato Café (1130 Wellington St. W.) is next on the list with a new offering on the menu this summer.
“Just when you thought gelato couldn’t get any better, it’s time to get festive with Stella Luna’s Gelato Cocktails,” says owner Tammy Giuliani. Enjoy flavours like Peach Gelato with Peach Schnapps, Black Current Sorbet & Prosecco, Mojito Sorbet Splashed with Rum, and more.
After such a hearty start to the day, it’s time to walk to The Merry Dairy (102 Fairmont Ave.) This local company is home to a nut-free original recipe of frozen custard and premium ice cream.
Sandy’s Soft Serve (1292 Wellington St. W.) which has a small patio out front where you can watch the world go by. Vegans fear not, because Little Jo Berry’s (1305 Wellington St. W.) is just down the street and has a fantastic selection of cool vegan treats. They have soft serve, hard scoops, milkshakes and sandwiches made with Oat and Mill, an oat-based ice cream company.
If you’re seeking budget-friendly options or you’re pressed for time, Giant Tiger (1085 Wellington St. W.) and Circle K (formerly Mac’s at 256 Richmond Rd.) serve flavourful slushies to quench your thirst. Shopper’s Drug Mart (410 Richmond Rd.) stocks a great selection of popsicles.
Furry friends also need a cool down on hot summer days and your pet may get a bit jealous of your ice cream escapades. Make sure you stop at Master ‘n Dogs (354 Richmond Rd.) for frozen yogurt “pupsicles” by Bosco and Roxy.
In Westboro, Bite This (181 Richmond Rd.) serves Kawartha Dairy ice cream but if you’re tiring of traditional cones, Quel’que Chose (379 Richmond Rd.) serves a smooth milkshake topped with melt-in-your-mouth macarons. Or sample one of the many types of Blizzards – a blend of vanilla soft serve and your favourite chocolate or candy – at Dairy Queen (393-A Richmond Rd.)
We think walking or biking is the best way to hit all the spots on the map (plus, you’ll burn a few calories too). Finish up your day with a stroll to the Westboro Beach Café, where you can enjoy a cone of hard-scooped ice cream and rest your (very) full belly on the beach.
Edited to add:
– Vegan soft serve at Strawberry Blonde Bakery (114B Grange Ave.)
– Gourmet popsicles at The Cupcake Lounge (324 Richmond Rd.)
– The Cake Shop (1200 Wellington St. W.) has soft serve, ice cream cakes, donut soft serve sandwiches and ice cream sandwiches.
– Pietro’s Corner (300 Richmond Rd.) is filling Westboro’s gelato gap now that Cococo (formerly known as Truffle Treasures) is now closed.
Got any locations to add to the list? Who else has the best frozen treats in Westboro, Wellington Village, Hintonburg and beyond? Leave your suggestions in the comments below and we’ll add them to the map!
This article is part of the annual KT Summer Fun Guide. Click the image below to view. Would you like to advertise in this special feature next year? Contact us!
One thought