Calgary 
Grab your cups and cones! July 17th is National Ice Cream Day, and there are a number of local shops in Calgary to help you celebrate. And these desserts go far beyond cups or cones of ice cream, although you can find simple scoops of vanilla at each shop.
If you are looking to try something new for dessert, these locations will give you the option of trying savoury ice cream, ice cream in a taco, new and unique flavours, or authentic gelato.
Foothills Creamery Ice Cream Eating Contest
What is the best way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day? By stuffing as much ice cream as you can in a specified time! Foothills Creamery will be holding an inaugural Ice Cream Eating Contest and you can sign up for free. Beginning at 1 pm on July 17th, competitors will have five minutes to consume as much ice cream as they can.
Even if you are not interested in the contest, all visitors can enjoy free scoops of Foothills Creamery ice cream and door prizes throughout the afternoon from 12 pm to 3 pm. YYC food truck Neon Taco will also be on site.
Where: 2825 Bonnybrook Road SE, Calgary.
Mac & Cheese Soft Serve/Summerland Soft Serve
This is the final weekend to try one of Calgary Stampede’s most unique food vendors. The ice cream stand serves a couple of sweet treats, but you’ll want to try their feature: Mac & Cheese soft serve. National Ice Cream Day falls on the last day of Stampede, so this is your last chance to give it a taste if you dare. Details
Where: Calgary Stampede Grounds
Sweet Tooth
The gourmet rolled ice cream treats served by Sweet Tooth are a decadent way to celebrate Ice Cream Day. You can pick from monthly flavours of their rolled ice cream with summer features like Cherry Blossom, and Tropical Banana Split; or pick from their main stays like Gotcha Matcha, Nutella & Chill, or Cookies & Cream. This summer they also feature their new Bites with a contest on now! The winner is announced on National Ice Cream Day, July 17. Details
Where: 206 Center St. S
Lic’s
There are over 40 flavours of ice cream to choose from at Lic’s, and multiple ways you can enjoy it for Ice Cream Day: by the cone, cup, pint, or quart, and even as a cake! Among those delicious flavours are also a variety of lactose-free, or dairy-free (sorbet) options, too.
Where: 3410 3 Ave NW Calgary, AB T2N 0M2
Village Ice Cream
Village Ice Cream can be a convenient option for many in Calgary on National Ice Cream Day, now with five different locations (check out the newest shop in the University District). Stop in for a cone or cup of their seasonal flavours like Pancake Breakfast, Mini Donut, Iced Capp (dairy-free), or Orange Creamsicle (dairy-free). Or consider them for a large gathering on Ice Cream Day with their bulk ordering service.
You can also get free ice cream on Fridays in July from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Farm Stand at University District Discovery Centre (4010 University Ave NW).
Where:
- 431 10 Ave. SE
- 820 49TH Ave. SW
- 2406 34TH Ave. SW
- 69 7A St. NE
- 4019 University Ave NW
Canelo’s Ice Cream
As things heat up outside in Calgary, you will be looking for ways to cool down. Canelo’s offers an unexpected way to do so with their feature treats: Ice Cream Tacos. The tacos come as a waffle shell, topped with ice cream, whipped cream, fruits, nuts, candies, or other sweets. You don’t have to limit yourself to tacos, either, as their delicious ice cream comes served in cones and cups as well (but with all the extras). Details
Where: 3007 26 Ave. SW
XO Ice Cream & Waffles
You might have noticed XO Ice Cream & Waffles at the Stampede this year. Luckily, you can visit them any time at their retail location, including on July 17th. Order their ice cream in sweet waffle cone cones, over actual waffles, in sundaes, as a milkshake, or as a cake. Make it a Mini Donut treat, as this ice cream flavour is only around for summer. Details
Where: #808 100 Auburn Meadows Drive SE
Milk Ice Cream Shop
As a small-batch and local shop, Milk Ice Cream offer their tasty and sometimes unique flavours in several ways: cone, waffle cone, or pint. You can try numerous signature flavours that are always on scoop, or this summer’s features: Yogurt Soju, Soursop Milk punch, or Lychee Elderflower Sorbet. Details
Where: inside John’s Breakfast & Lunch 2614 4 St. NW
My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe
Ready to find your favourite flavour this weekend at My Favourite Ice Cream Shoppe? Choose from a sweet list of flavours like Caramel Candy Apple, Chew Chew Chocolate, Cappuccino Flake, Cream Soda, Nanaimo Bar, Mango Yogurt, or Raspberry Yogurt. They can also create ice cream cakes with a variety of flavours, and the option to customize the design.
Where:
- 2048 42 Ave. SW
- 1114 – 8561 8A Ave. SW
Made by Marcus
The ice cream you get here, which was literally Made by Marcus, was created with a scientific approach and his lifetime of enjoying homemade ice cream. The flavours at Made by Marcus which resulted include delicious selections like Lemon Curd Blueberry, Monogram Espresso Toffee Pretzel, and even Dill Pickle Peanut Butter, or Fried Chicken & Waffles! Details
Where:
- #121 1013 17th Ave SW
- 1105 1st Ave NE Calgary
- 221 19th St NW
Abbey’s Creations
You can order something simple from Abbey’s for National Ice Cream Day like a waffle cone with two scoops, or a cup. But if you want to truly celebrate, try one of their Bubble Waffle Cones, a waffle cone covered in toppings, a waffle cup, or a milkshake. Details
Where:
- 4925 Barlow Tr. NE
- 4703 Bowness Rd. NW
Noto Gelato
Gelato is not ice cream due to the difference in its preparation, and what you get as a result. The ingredients are similar, but gelato gives you a lighter and fluffier cold treat. And Noto packs their Gelato full of authentic flavours like coconut, salted caramel, black cherry, lemon, aperol spritz, and more. Details
Where: 236 – 4 Street NE
