Looking for the best ice cream in Hamilton this summer? From towering scoops to small-batch gelato and vegan-friendly froyo, the city is packed with frozen treats worth tasting.
To help you plan your sweet summer adventure, we’ve rounded up the top ice cream shops by neighbourhood. Whether you’re strolling the waterfront, exploring downtown, or discovering a hidden gem, you’ll know just where to go for your next cone and chill out in the sweetest way possible.
Downtown + West Harbour
Big Scoops
2 Duke St.
A seasonal ice cream spot known for their seriously HUGE scoops of Hewitt’s ice cream from the takeout window. When they say big, they really mean it! Open till late every day.
Willard’s Ice Cream: The Second Scoop
10 Mulberry St.
This second location of a local favourite offers nut-free, small-batch ice cream with rotating flavours, vegan-friendly options, and house made waffle cones.
Bonito’s Pizzeria & Gelato
219 James St. N.
A new pizzeria and gelato shop serving Roman-style pizza and handcrafted gelato, with gluten-free cones available so everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.
Waterfront Scoops
47 Discovery Dr.
Right by Pier 8, grab a scoop of Shaw’s ice cream, a milkshake, or a floatâ€"perfect for strolling the pier on warm summer nights, roller skating at the outdoor rink, or catching a summer salsa night.
Daigyo
125 King St. E.
This downtown shop serves up Japanese teas and treats. Their matcha soft serve is a must try - get it swirled with their feature flavour like white peach or make it a float over a slushy.must-try.
Locke Street
Donut Monster
246 Locke St. S.
Vegan-friendly and full of options: soft serve, milkshakes (made with Hewitt’s or Fairly Frosted), and donut ice cream sandwiches, all available in dairy or vegan.
Amo Gelato
171 Locke St. S.
A seasonal gelato shop offering small-batch, rotating flavours including unique features like Cereal Milk gelato. They have vegan and gluten-free friendly options.
Edenoel’s Panini & Ice Cream
291 Main St. W.
Known for their Half N Halfâ€"a creative blend of half milkshake, half sundaeâ€"with over 10 combinations to choose from, along with scoops and floats with Hewitt’s ice cream.
Madam Bonbon
165 Locke St. S.
On top of beautifully crafted bonbons, they offer small-batch ice cream bars dipped in chocolate in flavours like Double Chocolate and London Fog seasonally.
Ancaster
Capri Gelato
13 Hatton Dr., Ancaster
Right next to Castelli Mercato, this family-run shop serves handcrafted gelato and sorbetto in rotating flavours, bringing a taste of Italy to the neighbourhood.
The Purple Pony Ice Cream Shop
346 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
A beloved seasonal ice cream spot serving classic hard scoops from Ontario dairies, complete with adorable purple rocking ponies outside that kids love.
Ancaster Ice Cream Parlour
286 Jerseyville Rd. W., Ancaster
With over 100 flavours to choose from including plant-based and dairy-free options. Plus every purchase helps support Ancaster Little League.
Dundas
Jax Sweet Shoppe
33 King St. W., Dundas
Serving Hewitt’s Dairy scoops in a charming 1950s-style dinerâ€"enjoy them in cones, cups, sundaes, or shakes, and don’t miss their desserts or hearty breakfast menu!
Dyment’s Market
416 Fallsview Rd. E., Dundas
Grab Chapman’s scoops at the market or treat yourself to an affogato or Coppa gelato from the coffee & dairy trailer. Make time for their smash burgers and house-made baked goodsâ€"especially the pie!
East Hamilton
Willard’s Ice Cream
942 Main St. E.
The original location of this local gem serves nut-free, small-batch ice cream and house-made waffle conesâ€"perfect for enjoying while strolling around nearby Gage Park.
Panini & Ice Cream
1505 Main St. E.
The original location for Half N Half. Pick from their creations or make your own, plus enjoy scoops and floats with Hewitt’s ice cream.
Hutch’s on the Beach
280 Van Wagners Beach Rd
A Hamilton classic since 1946, serving up old-school diner favorites. Share a banana split or grab a scoop of Shaw’s ice cream and enjoy a walk along the Waterfront Trail.
Fruit & Yo
363 Barton St. E.
This family-run froyo spot blends real fruit with every order, letting you pick your own or choose from tasty combosâ€"and they’ve got dairy-free and vegan options too!
Stoney Creek
Nani’s Gelato
90 Hwy 8 Unit G3, Stoney Creek
Every Nani’s location makes their small-batch gelato on site while rotating flavours every two weeks. Go for the seasonal flavours with Ontario fruits or classics like pistachio!
Rony’s
312 Grays Rd., Stoney Creek
Enjoy some house made froyo here where mango’s the most popular flavour. Grab a ready-to-go container or, if you’re lucky, catch some fresh soft serve from their Stoney Creek location.
Bliss Gelato & Cafe
621 Barton St., Stoney Creek
The variety here is huge with over 30 flavours of small batch gelato and sorbets to choose from, including dairy free, gluten free and vegan options.
Hamilton Mountain
Biggies
519 Upper Sherman Ave.
A sister shop to Big Scoops, a cherished local favorite on the mountain known for its generous scoops and no-frills, quick service.
The Parlour Dairy Bar
581 Concession St
You’ll find this cute pink ice cream parlour inside Townhall Social on Concession, serving classic scoops, indulgent milkshakes, and sundaes.
Rony’s
1242 Upper James St.
You can find Rony’s popular house made froyo in ready-to-go containers at this Upper James location. Mango is a staple but don’t miss feature flavours with seasonal fruits.