Moncton 
The McFlurry, a dessert now found in nearly 100 countries, is marking its 30th anniversary this summer.
CNW Group/McDonald’s Canada
First created on June 7, 1995, in Bathurst, New Brunswick, by McDonald’s Canada franchisee Ron McLellan, the frozen treat has grown from a local offering to an internationally recognized menu item.
McLellan, who still operates as a franchisee, developed the dessert to blend soft serve with popular candy and cookie mix-ins. The original lineup at his Bathurst location included Oreo, Smarties, Coffee Crisp, Crispy Crunch, SKOR, and Fudgee-O. Oreo remains the most enduring flavour, while McLellan himself favours caramel with double Oreo.
To commemorate the anniversary, McDonald’s Canada has added two limited-time McFlurry flavours to its summer lineup:
- The Birthday Cake McFlurry includes vanilla soft serve, cookie dough pieces, and birthday cake syrup.
- The Cheesecake McFlurry offers a base with optional toppings of Strawberry, Fudge, Caramel, or Oreo.
Another new flavour is scheduled to be released later in the season. All variations are made using 100% Canadian dairy.
In addition to the new flavours, McDonald’s is launching a campaign titled “An East Coast Original,” highlighting the McFlurry’s Atlantic Canadian roots. Seven artists from across the region were commissioned to create original works inspired by the dessert, showcasing local craftsmanship and culture.
Participating artists include Vanessa Thomas (painting and mixed media) and Adam McNamara (wood sculpture) from Nova Scotia; Cynthia DeCoste (painting) and the rug-hooking group Les Hookeuses du Bor’de’lo from New Brunswick; Sarah Nicole Dart (cynography) from Prince Edward Island; and Jill O’Reilly (stained glass mosaic) along with Jonathan and Elizabeth White (quilting, driftwood, and painting) from Newfoundland.
The new McFlurries join a roster of regional variations such as Matcha in Japan, Baci Perugina in Italy, and Durian Crunch in Singapore.
McDonald’s presence in Canada dates back to 1967 with its first restaurant in Richmond, British Columbia.
