Toronto had a long winter, followed by a spring that was, more or less, still winter, but temperatures are finally on the rise, and with them, cravings for all things sweet and ice-cold.
While nothing beats a good, old-fashioned cone of ice cream, of which the city has plenty, sometimes you’re simply craving something a little different to give you brain freeze, and luckily, the city has no shortage of alternative icy options, too.
To get your adventures in frozen food started for summer 2026, I’ve compiled six frosty treats you can try in Toronto when you need a break from old-school ice cream. Thank me when the first heat wave of the year hits.
Cloudberry Soft-Serve
You can think of the dairy-free soft-serve at this Danforth shop as the city’s answer to Disney’s iconic Dole Whips, except here, it’s available in flavours like dragonfruit, mango and strawberry, along with the requisite pineapple.
You can also opt to have yours served as a float with Dr. Pepper, root beer, club soda or 7-Up for an extra special kick.
Bar32 Ice Cream Bars
After establishing a presence in Muskoka and Toronto back in 2022, this business run by a pair of sisters has set up shop for the season at The Lobby by Heaps Estrin in Rosedale.
Here, you’ll find a full suite of handmade artisanal ice cream bars in a variety of rotating flavours, alongside traditional scoops.
Hank’s Chill Slushies
The viral Diet Coke slushies from Dundas West’s Armed Jewelry are back this summer, getting served from a full-blown slushy bar operation at the back of the shop.
Alongside the initial internet-breaker, you can find a rotating menu of premium small-batch slushies in flavours like pina colada, orange creamsicle, and blueberry matcha.
Trinity Market Aperol Spritz Slush
If you prefer your blended beverages to come with a kick, head to Trinity Market, where they’re serving up an Aperol Spritz slush, which is… exactly what it sounds like.
While the slush element cuts down on the spritz factor considerably, it’s replaced with a satisfying icy texture that just as easily transports you to the Positano seaside, even if you’re actually on Queen West.
Viet Bites Che
This Vietnamese dessert can be found on nearly every street corner in Vietnam, but is decidedly harder to find in Toronto. Luckily, Cabbagetown’s Viet Bites has you covered.
The dessert, often referred to as “sweet soup,” comes in a variety of flavours like avocado, pomelo and even durian, and is loaded with coconut milk, jellies, fresh fruit and a generous helping of crushed ice that keeps it delightfully chilly.
Mr. Chaskeros Chaska Fruta
Mexico’s answer to Yogen Früz, this refreshing treat combines frozen blocks of yogurt and fresh fruit for a tart, fresh treat that almost feels equally appropriate to eat for dessert.
Toronto residents can pick one up for themselves at Mr. Chaskeros in Oakwood Village.
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