Outrageously good ice cream sundaes in Vancouver

Life is sweet when you’re having a sundae. After all, why have just plain old ice cream when you can top it with sauces, whipped cream and sprinkles? A sundae says you’re going all out in the fun department – and that’s just something you’ve gotta do once in awhile. Try these Vancouver hot spots for cool treats. [Photo credit: iStock.com/Robert Ingelhart]

Outrageously good ice cream sundaes in Vancouver
Megan Lau By

Glenburn Soda Fountain And Confectionery

1
4090 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 2H9

For a blast from the past, visit Glenburn Soda Fountain in Burnaby Heights. This throwback spot will appeal to your inner kid with its retro interior decor and nostalgic malt shop menu, which boasts a dozen specialty sundaes including the classic Banana Split (with pineapple and strawberry sauces) and Sweet & Salty Pretzel topped with homemade peanut butter sauce. Every treat is made to order and features local ingredients, including ice cream from Birchwood Dairy in Abbotsford.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Earnest Ice Cream

2
1829 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V5T 2Z3

The line-up for Earnest Ice Cream sometimes stretches out its doors, but for good reason: their ice cream is the tops! Naturally, they’re experts at sundaes as well, blending textures, flavours and ingredients into heavenly creations. Limited-edition sundae options rotate frequently and feature the best of what’s local and tasty (and there’s usually a vegan option too). Seasonal sundae flavours have included strawberry jam and biscuits, caramel walnut crunch, strawberry rhubarb shortcake, and a breakfast sundae with cereal milk ice cream and housemade granola.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Templeton Holdings Inc

3
1087 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1L4

A staple morning-after destination for the hung-over Granville Street crowd, The Templeton might draw you in with its hearty diner breakfast, but make sure you save room for dessert! The classic banana split is done right with multiple scoops of ice cream, fresh banana, chocolate and caramel sauce, real whipped cream and crushed peanuts. If you’re not feeling up to the full sundae, order the mini version (with just one scoop instead of four) to get your sweet fix with fewer calories.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Rain or Shine Homemade Ice Cream Ltd

4
102-1926 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5

You don’t need sunshine to enjoy one of Rain or Shine’s sundae creations. Vegan and traditional options are always available, as well as a wide range of toppings and sauces so you can mix-and-match sweet confectionary to create your own sundae masterpiece. Try vegan chocolate sauce, lemon olive oil or their to-die-for waffle cone pieces. No matter what accompaniments you pick — traditional or unorthodox — all sundaes are tied together with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Soft Peaks Ice Cream

5
25 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B2

Vancouver’s first organic soft serve ice cream is located in the heart of Gastown. This creamery follows the soft-serve trend popular in Asia, New York and LA, serving up a not-so-sweet “Original Peak” frozen dessert base that’s ideal for sweet toppings and sauces. Layer the milky ice cream with dark chocolate sauce and sprinkle in unique gourmet options like Fraser Valley honeycomb, sweet and sour yuzu marmalade, and Himalayan pink salt.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Nice Vice

6
1022 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T4

Ice cream is one of life’s great joys, so everyone should be able to enjoy it. Nice Vice is here for anyone who is dairy-averse, but sundae-inclined. This Yaletown scoop shop serves organic plant-based frozen treats (made with sweet potato and coconut milk) that dairy-, soy-, allergen- and GMO-free. These virtuous scoops push the envelope flavour-wise, with flavours ranging from seasonal fruit varieties to ambitious options like chili chocolate and Earl Grey bergamot with activated charcoal! Add sauces, artisanal salts and plant-based waffle cone bits to create your own sundae-style frozen dessert.

720 Sweets Ltd

7
3278 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H4

With a shared love of ice cream, five ambitious friends joined together to open 720 Sweets in Kitsilano. The owners here aren’t content to just offer crowd-pleasing classics; their sundaes are innovative and even sculptural in their appeal. The regular roster of sundae varieties features out-there toppings like cotton candy popcorn, popping boba and chocolate cornflakes. With tasty treats piled high over soft-serve ice cream, the eye-catching vertical sundaes are definitely Instagram ready.

Beta5 Chocolates

8
413 Industrial Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2P8

Science, art and taste come together in the confections at Beta5 Chocolates. You know you’re in for something special when you order a sundae from this award-winning chocolatier. The signature chocolate sundae features two scoops of ice cream topped with a variety of chocolate forms, including chocolate aerated rocks; there’s a bit of a space-y feel to it, which is fitting since the flavour will put you over the moon. Remember to act quick; Beta5’s sundaes are only available on Saturdays during the summer months.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Pazzo Chow Market Ltd

9
620 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 4E7

Expect the unexpected at this teeny Italian cafe located in Chinatown. The menu changes daily, and the sundaes, weekly. Using Brown Paper Ice Cream, Pazzo Chow owner Maya Sciarretta creates imaginative and delicious flavour combinations with a culinary bent. Think: chocolate Thai basil ice cream topped with chocolate balsamic crema and frozen smashed raspberries.

More from Megan Lau Megan Lau
Megan Lau is the Digital and Content Strategist for YWCA Metro Vancouver. She always has 20 tabs open, searching for a great read, an inspiring idea, or compelling cause. Wherever Megan is in the world, you’ll find her on the hunt for a transcendent bite of food, a perfectly mixed cocktail, or a unique space to share a night with friends. At home, she is an enthusiastic cook and baker.
Vancouver’s best weekday breakfast joints

9 tasty weekday breakfast joints

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which is why it’s key to know where to find toast, bacon and eggs just the way you like them, seven days a week. From diners to dives to fine dining, Vancouver has plenty of weekday breakfast spots where you can start your morning with a satisfied belly. [Photo courtesy of Cafe Medina]
Vancouver’s best bars for South American inspired cocktails

Cool bars for South American cocktails and Latin liquors

Things can get chilly above the 49th parallel. Thankfully, Vancouver’s restaurants and bars are heating up with flavourful cocktails inspired by South American tradition: think Cuba libres, pisco sours, caipirinhas and classic margaritas. Here are a few local venues that serve up drinks with Latin liquors and tasty food from below the equator. [Photo courtesy of Cuchillo]
Vancouver’s best izakayas for Japanese food and drinks

Kampai! Vancouver's best izakayas to hit after work

Izakayas first arrived in Vancouver in the early 90s and the lively Japanese-style pubs have been a staple in the city ever since. Some joints stick to tradition, while local chains such as Guu and Hapa Izakaya serve up dishes influenced by the West Coast culinary scene. These Vancouver izakayas will have you shouting “Mou Hitotsu!” (one more!) thanks to their crowd-pleasing food and drinks. [Photo credit: everydayAnalog]
Close menu