I screamed, you screamed, we all screamed for the best ice cream.
I don’t think I’m alone in my weakness for ice cream. It doesn’t matter the season, I forever have visions of sugar cones dancing in my head. I eat the stuff nightly, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
That cold, creamy confection sure has evolved from those supermarket cartons of nasty neapolitan. Today’s artisan ice creams are now made with quality dairy ingredients you can truly taste. And once good ice cream coats your tastebuds, it hits all your senses with the most inventive flavours and silky textures. You don’t need a hot day to enjoy one of life’s true pleasures.
We all know Victoria is a killer ice cream town – and although the choices seem endless – here are the top three places that licked the competition, voted by you lovely people.
Parachute Ice Cream
105-2626 Bridge St.
How many ice cream joints can you say serve water buffalo products?
The grass-fed buffalo milk adds that extra zing to a line of ice cream and yogurt that already boasts such unique sweetness. With generous portions, Parachute makes everything in house, right down to the cookie and brownie bits that pack their pints. They change their flavours often, but winners in the past have been Lavender Truffle, Lychee Black Tea, and Cinnamon Bun. And if you happen to like plain old vanilla, even that has a special twist — Parachute sources its special vanilla from a family right here in Victoria.
Cold Comfort Ice Cream
1115 North Park St.
Talk about local love. Since 2010, Cold Comfort has been sourcing the finest ingredients from around the Island. Eggs from Cowichan Valley’s Lockwood Farms, local fruits and herbs, organic cream and organic cane sugar, and even local beer and cider go into their creamy concoctions. Favourite flavours include Burnt Sugar & Salt, Cherry Godmother, and Rosemary’s Baby. There are lots of vegan options and their gourmet ice cream sandwiches are just as popular as their scoops.
Beacon Drive-In
126 Douglas St.
Soft-serve is no longer hard ice cream’s poor cousin. Thanks to institutions like Victoria’s Beacon Drive-In, soft serve is almost an art form. People flock to this 1950s style diner for a twisty vanilla cone, either dipped in chocolate or infused with a flavour burst. The goodness doesn’t stop at the cone — Beacon puts its ice cream to work in sundaes, shakes, avalanches, floats, and screamers. Situated across from beautiful Beacon Hill Park, there’s no excuse not to share a soft serve in the sunshine.
