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.