The Inside Scoop

Sweet Spots

Winnipeggers will always have a soft spot for classics like the Bridge Drive-In and Sargent Sundae, but they’re making room in their hearts (and stomachs) for some next gen ice cream shops. Around the city, new frozen maestros are garnering kudos for using local ingredients and offering vegan options.

In 2019, chef Fern Kirouac opened Dug and Betty’s—named after his two pooches—in Saint Boniface. After a year spent perfecting his sweet technique, he concocted unique flavour combinations, like sweet-spicy Strawberry Honey Balsamic Pepper.

Run by the Olivier family, Neon Cone has been a Forks staple for over two decades. The ice creamery serves tried-and-true treats such as Tiger Tiger and Superhero, but son Dan Olivier recently revamped the menu with modern flavours, including Oat Milk Strawberry and gelato-style options.

Little Italy’s Milksmith makes creative, from-scratch ice cream snacks in collaboration with local artisans. Be sure to try Utoffeea, which combines vanilla and chocolate ice cream with cashews, toffee and chocolate.

Gourmet To Go

Some of the best Winnipeg-made ice creams can be found in your grocer’s freezer. Family-owned Prairie West’s new line of Can-Asian flavours includes Peach Lemongrass and Sweet Spice. Find them at Safeway, Sobeys, IGA and FreshCo. In 2019, Élise Page and Teri-Lynn Friesen opened Fête, a hip downtown ice creamery. Locals swoon over both the pretty interior and handmade ice cream. The pair collaborates with Mottola Grocery on custom flavours like summery Aperol Spritz.

Old School Cool

Frozen favourites to order at Winnipeg’s classic ice creameries

Part milkshake, part sundae, the Goog Special at the Bridge Drive-In is synonymous with summer in the city. It’s best enjoyed while strolling over the nearby Elm Park Bridge.

Pumpkin ice cream at Sargent Sundae is one of Winnipeg’s most anticipated fall treats. It makes the end of summer a little sweeter to swallow!

Sweet Tops’ Peanut Butter and Fudge Parfait is a delicious array of textures and flavours that draws people from all over the city.

Stars on Ice

A handful of legendary ice cream shops across Manitoba

Salty’s, a delightful ice cream hut on Provincial Trunk 9 between Winnipeg Beach and Gimli, has been satisfying lake-bound Manitobans for decades. Order a signature Chocolate Banana scoop through the takeout window.

Lockport’s Half Moon Drive-In is a multi-generational summertime destination. Retro styling ups the nostalgia factor, but it’s the classic menu that transports you in time. Order a shake or try the Bucket of Dirt: vanilla, twist or chocolate soft-serve topped with crumbled Oreos, hot fudge sauce and gummy worms.

In addition to tasty scoops of small-batch ice cream, Charley B’s Classic Grill & Ice Cream Parlour in Winkler serves milkshakes in an array of fun flavours—topped with real whipped cream and a cherry. You can even take home quarts of hard or soft ice cream.

Did you know you can save on all sorts of yummy treats with CAA Rewards Dining Partners?