Carrie takes her Ice Cream seriously!
Looking for the best ice cream in Stratford? Look no further. We have taste-tested all of these favourite locally owned ice cream shops in Stratford and scoped out a few new-comers too!!!
Jenn and Larry’s
Jenn and Larry’s Ice Cream Shoppe has become an iconic summer destination for Stratford locals and tourists alike. The second you walk into the darling little shoppe at 49 York Street you are treated like an old friend, and often greeted by the owner Jenn herself. The service is small town charm all the way and the ice cream speaks for itself. Famous for their Chocolate Malt Milkshakes and there is no end to the selection of soft serve toppings and dips.
Have you tried their chocolate soft serve dipped in peanut butter? We have, and it’s next level delish. It’s no wonder there is usually a line up, but it’s always worth the wait.
Insider tip: If someone in your group has a dairy allergy, they stock a delicious line of sorbets that are dairy-free! Also, it’s located near the Avon Boathouse and close to public washrooms if your littles need to make a pit-stop!
The Avon Boathouse
Visit the Avon Boathouse located at 30 York Street to rent your canoe, kayak or paddle boat for a refreshing outing on the Avon River. After your ride, grab a soft-serve ice cream or other treats, or have a light lunch as they serve sandwiches and burgers as well. Great photo-ops with ducks, swans and geese too! This family business has been operated since 1965!
Insider Tip: Much sought-after publish washrooms located right next to the boat house!
If you are a chocolate lover – specifically a mint-chocolate lover – do not miss a visit to Rheo Thompson Candies located at 55 Albert Street. Aside from the incredible selection of hand-made candies, you can get a quart of their delicious signature Mint Smoothie Chocolate Ice Cream made for them by Mapleton’s Organic Dairy. Pros at their craft, Rheo Thompson Candies is a favourite of locals and visitors alike and has been in operation since 1969. You will be considered a “Stratford Novice” if you don’t make it into this shop!!
Chocolate Barrs is a confection business run by a husband and wife team. Stop here for a selection of delicious gelatos and grab some amazing hand made chocolate truffles while you’re at it. With over 160 handmade candies & chocolates, minties, truffles, creams, caramels, brittles, nuttypop, nuts, jellies and gelatos, you will have trouble deciding what you treat yourself to!
Insider Tip: Chocolate Barrs is a stop along the Stratford Chocolate Trail. Read more about the Stratford Chocolate Trail in our past blog here.
Erie Drive In
If you want to blend in like a local, stop by family-run Erie Drive In at 634 Erie Street. This business is a retro drive-in throwback to the 1950’s, complete with calling out your order number over a loud speaker. Stop here to take a trip back in time, grab a foot long hot dog with all the fixin’s and treat yourself to a malted shake, banana split or hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top! Open until 10pm all summer long!
Lady Glaze Doughnuts
NEW on the scene is Lady Glaze Doughnuts located at 105-10 Downie Street. This incredibly popular hot spot is the 3rd location for this Canadian business, others being in Kitchener and Guelph. Not only do they make an incredibly inventive assortment of daily doughnuts, they also have a full milkshake bar, and top their milkshakes with – wait for it – DOUGHNUTS! Open daily from 10am-7pm (or sold out).
COMING SOON: Angela’s Gelato and Refreshments is preparing to open SOON at 98 Downie Street… Expect traditional artisanal gelato with a twist (with milk-based, plant-based and vegan options), freshly squeezed old-fashioned lemonade and refreshing iced teas and Italian sodas.
Also COMING SOON, La Diperie! Prepare to enjoy red velvet milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, donuts, cupcakes and even The Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake on a stick! These are the things summer dreams are made of. Coming soon to Ontario Street… conveniently (for me) right across from Bradshaws.
Whether it is your first time visiting Stratford, or you’ve been here a million times but want to find out what’s new, check out Stratford Tourism as a resource to find out what’s happening in Stratford right now. You’ll find links to restaurant guides, accomodation guides, info on Al Fresco outdoor dining or to find out where find to get your Chocolate Trail Tickets!
Thank you for being an ice cream lover AND for taking the time to read our blog. Hope you found this ice cream guide helpful and hope you have many happy summer days enjoying ice cream treats from all of these fantastic businesses! You might see me in line. Wave if you do!
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