Ice Cream and Vacations: 20 Must-See Ice Cream Shops Across Quebec

Quebec is brimming with gourmet spots, and artisanal ice cream shops have become places of creativity and escape. Beyond traditional soft serve, you'll find gelatos, sorbets, frozen cocktails, frozen bars and treats, and even alcoholic versions.

It was a tough choice, but here are 20 must-try ice cream shops across the province. They're perfect for cooling off on a beautiful summer day or for a well-deserved break during a road trip on the way to your vacation!

20 ice cream shops to try throughout Quebec during the summer holidays QUEBEC REGION 1. La Folle Tablée – Gourmet Bar , Quebec

If desserts were an art, then La Folle Tablée would rank among the country's greatest artists. Its charming pink decor, decadent doughnuts, and other tempting pastries make it a gourmet destination for those with a sweet tooth. The ice cream shop is also, of course, very popular, particularly for its pink and brown marbled ice cream, served with a decorative mini meringue.

8085 Henri-Bourassa Blvd., Quebec

2. Sammy's Creamery , Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Nestled in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Crèmerie Sammy's stands out with a simple yet innovative concept, inspired by a trend straight from New Zealand. Here, there's no long menu: the emphasis is on the freshness and quality of local ingredients. On-site, they prepare artisanal soft-serve ice cream fresh from the comfort of your own home, combining a creamy vanilla base (a vegan oat version is available) with Quebec berries.

9954, Sanctuary Street, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

3. We're fed up , Pont-Rouge

Housed in a former rectory, this ice cream shop charms upon arrival with its unique decor and warm atmosphere. This unlikely place, where the sacred rubs shoulders with the sweet, has become a must-see. People go there for its slushies and sundaes made with real fruit, but among the menu's favorites, the affogato reigns supreme, for a perfect blend of sweet and sour. Fans of more classic soft serve are not left out, with a range of original and delicious chocolate dips.

210 Dupont Street, Pont-Rouge

4. Cassis Monna & Filles , Saint - Pierre -de- l'Île-d'Orléans

On Île d'Orléans, Cassis Monna & Filles offers more than just a refreshing break: it's a gourmet getaway, with the scent of berries and spectacular views of the river. Their gelatos and sorbets, available in around twenty flavors, satisfy all tastes, while their famous vanilla-blackcurrant soft serve draws crowds every summer.

1225, Chemin Royal, Saint-Pierre, Île d'Orléans

CHAUDIÈRE-APPALACHES 5. The Bleuets du Vire-Crêpes ice cream shop , Lévis

In the heart of an enchanting country setting, this is the perfect place for a sweet break. There's a wide variety of frozen treats to choose from: fruity sorbets, refreshing slushies, creamy soft serve, and generous sundaes... but the real star of the bar is La Vedette : a soft serve flavored with locally grown blueberries, which epitomizes the surrounding terroir.

975, Vire-Crêpes Road, Lévis (Saint-Nicolas sector)

6. The Maple House , Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce

In Sainte-Marie, Maison de l'Érable is a true pioneer in the art of combining soft-serve ice cream with maple flavors. Their specialty: a soft-serve generously topped with a creamy maple coulis, a combination that has become iconic.

1346, boulevard Vachon Sud, Sainte-Marie

MONTREAL 7. Dalmata Gelateria , Mile End, Montreal

Recently opened by renowned chef Danny Smiles, this gelateria is your new go-to in Montreal. Named in honor of his grandmother and designed by the team behind Le Violon, the decor is sleek (literally) combining marble and pastel panels. They serve artisanal soft-serve gelato. No pre-made flavors here: everything is homemade, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

24, rue Bernard Ouest

8. Coquine Creamery , Plateau, Montreal

Newly opened on the Plateau, Crèmerie Coquine is turning heads with its vibrant retro aesthetic and bold, festive menu. Here, they're revisiting the frozen experience with a touch of... alcohol! The creations are directly inspired by iconic cocktails: think iced espresso martini, Spritz-style ice cream, or other surprise recipes that change weekly.

1584 Laurier Avenue East

9. Hoche Glacé , Hochelaga, Montreal

This address is a true neighborhood institution, known for its creativity, its relaxed atmosphere and, above all, its inclusive menu with vegan options. Everyone will find something to please them, even dogs, with the ice cream sandwich specially designed for four-legged friends! For humans, the range is impressive: sl'hoche , gourmet ice cream sundaes, fruity sorbets, ice cream cakes, milkshakes and more.

2225 Bennett Avenue

10. Ice Quay , Lachine, Montreal

Located near the Lachine Canal, Quai des Glaces charms with its delightful decor, perfect for a gourmet break by the water. Enjoy homemade ice creams, prepared with care and creativity. Every week, a sorbet and a luxury sundae with an exclusive flavor spice up the menu, much to the delight of regulars.

2138 Saint-Joseph Blvd., Lachine

LAVAL 11.The Berlingot , Laval

Head to a charming heritage house across from the Vieux Sainte-Rose church at Berlingot, an ice cream counter that has won the hearts of Laval residents. Everything is homemade: vibrant sorbets, hard ice creams, vegan options, frozen yogurts, and the undisputed star, a uniquely flavored soft serve that's renewed every two weeks. You'll also find inventive ice cream sundaes, often inspired by local crops like Laval strawberries or Saint-Eustache rhubarb.

218, Sainte-Rose Blvd., Laval

LAURENTIANS 12. The North Face , Val-David

In Val-David, head to La Face Nord to enjoy vegan ice cream that's as creamy as it is delicious. There's a beautiful selection of oat-based hard ice creams with flavors that change with the seasons and the inspiration of the moment, all prepared by hand. As for soft ice cream, the coconut-based version delights with its rich texture and unique flavors.

2442 Church Street, Val-David

13. The Lavender House , Saint-Eustache

Have you ever tried lavender frozen yogurt? This exquisite flavor, available at the La Maison Lavande gourmet counter during the summer, is a must-try when visiting the blooming fields. You can also opt for a vegan coconut and lavender frozen treat or a blackberry and lavender ice cream.

902, Fresnière Road, Saint-Eustache

SAGUENAY–LAC-SAINT-JEAN 14. O'Gelato & Cacao , The Bay

O'Gelato & Cacao made local history by becoming the very first gelateria in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Open year-round, this welcoming counter brilliantly combines the art of artisanal gelato and fine chocolate making. Discover creamy ice creams with inventive flavors, as well as a wonderful selection of sweet treats.

992 Victoria Street, The Bay

NORTH SHORE 15. Dairy Bar at Marina , Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan

This Côte-Nord address is a must for lovers of sweets with boreal flavors. Their specialty? Ice creams featuring the region's berries: cloudberry, blueberry, red seed, raspberry, strawberry, which bring a unique touch to each lick. The menu is as vast as it is tempting, with more than 80 options ranging from soft serve to frozen yogurt, slushies , milkshakes , and confectionery. It's impossible not to find something you like!

1045, King's Road, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan

BAS-SAINT-LAURENT 16. Vegetable Garden Creamery , L'Isle-Verte

Located in the heart of the village of L'Isle-Verte, within Kiskotuk Coastal Park, Crèmerie du Potager is a must-see summer stop on the Navigators' Route. Renowned for its soft serve and sweet treats made with local strawberries, including a real strawberry slush and sundaes bursting with fresh fruit, it also offers jams and other products. Its charming picnic area with views of Île Verte and the St. Lawrence River adds to the experience.

160, Seigneur-Côté Street, L'Isle-Verte

GASPÉSIE 17. Shipwreck & Co. , Sainte-Flavie

Naufrage & Cie is the perfect place for a refreshing, gourmet break on your vacation route. This counter offers a wonderful selection of frozen treats: decadent cones, artisanal ice creams, generous sundaes , and original alcoholic slushies with summer flavors. You can also enjoy a homemade pizza or an iced coffee, perfect for satisfying those cravings between the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions.

471, Sea Road, Sainte-Flavie

LANAUDIÈRE 18.Côte-à-Joly , St-Jean-de-Matha

Côte-à-Joly is a maple grove that transforms into a festive ice cream shop in the summer, where everything, or almost everything, revolves around maple. They serve dreamy homemade ice cream creations, like a simply decadent "Fart de Soeur" ice cream sundae.

33, Ste-Louise East row, St-Jean-de-Matha

EASTERN TOWNSHIPS 19. Canteen Chez Ben la Bedaine , Granby

La Cantine Chez Ben on s'bour la bédaine is more than just a legendary poutine spot; it's also a daring dairy bar. Try original desserts like the "frozen poutine," the "Mont Blanc," or the frozen tofu, a surprising and delicious option. The retro ambiance, inventive menu, and generous portions make it a must-try sweet destination.

599, Principale Street, Granby

20. Coaticook Dairy , Coaticook

A true institution in the region, the Laiterie de Coaticook is much more than a dairy bar: it's a complete immersion into the world of milk and ice cream. In addition to tasting their famous cones, you can also visit their milk museum, take a look at the production room, and better understand the history of this dairy founded in 1940.

1000 Child Street, Coaticook