Is there anything better than an ice cream cone on a sunny Calgary afternoon? We don’t think so. Here at Friday Sock Co., we believe life’s sweetest moments should be celebrated with a little fun, and what better way than with a scoop (or three) of ice cream?
Whether you’re a classic vanilla cone kind of person or you like adventurous flavours like “mango chili lime,” Calgary is packed with scoop shops worth licking your way through. Let’s dig into the four best spots for ice cream in Calgary (according to us).
A (Very Brief) History of Ice Cream
Before we jump into Calgary’s best ice cream shops, let’s rewind for a second. Ice cream has been around for centuries. Ancient cultures chilled snow with fruit and honey, but the modern version started in 17th-century Europe. By the 1800s, ice cream had made its way to Canada, quickly becoming a summertime staple. Fast forward to today, and Calgary’s scoop scene is thriving, artisanal flavours, small-batch creativity, and local love in every cone.
1. Made by Marcus
If Calgary had an ice cream celebrity, it would be Made by Marcus. Known for pushing flavour boundaries, this shop creates everything from Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk to creative collabs with local restaurants and breweries.
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Why it’s special: They churn everything in small batches using locally sourced cream, butter, and seasonal ingredients. Every month brings limited-edition flavours, so there’s always something new.
2. Village Ice Cream
Village Ice Cream is basically a Calgary institution. Their first tucked-away shop in Victoria Park became the hangout spot for late-night ice cream cravings and now they have locations across the city.
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Why it’s special: Creamy classics done perfectly. Think salted caramel, toasted coconut, and melt-in-your-mouth seasonal scoops. Their vibe is cozy, friendly, and distinctly local.
3. Parlour Ice Cream
Right in Calgary’s East Village, Parlour Ice Cream is known for its stylish vibe and ultra-creamy treats. They serve both beloved classics and trend-setting flavours, making it the perfect stop after a river walk or downtown adventure.
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Why it’s special: Parlour uses Alberta milk and cream, with recipes that keep things rich, smooth, and indulgent. Bonus: their shop design is as Instagram-worthy as their ice cream.
4. Abbey’s Creations
Tucked in northwest Calgary, Abbey’s Creations is the hidden gem of the city’s ice cream scene. This family-run shop is known for experimenting with flavours you won’t find anywhere else, from avocado to ube.
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Why it’s special: Creative, adventurous, and a little unexpected. They also serve ice cream cakes and other treats, making it a one-stop shop for sweet celebrations.
The Perfect Pairing: Ice Cream + Socks
Ice cream is about joy, comfort, and maybe a little bit of indulgence. That’s exactly how we feel about our socks. Just like Calgary’s scoop shops, Friday Sock Co. is proudly local, family-run, and designed to bring smiles (and sometimes cravings).
So next time you head out for ice cream in Calgary, don’t forget to rock your Friday ice cream socks.
Final Scoop
From Made by Marcus’s inventive flavours to Village’s community vibe, Parlour’s modern flair, and Abbey’s Creations’ adventurous spirit, Calgary is serving up some of the best ice cream in Canada.
Pair your cone with a pair of our ice cream socks, and you’ve got the ultimate Calgary combo: sweet, local, and a little bit mismatched... on purpose.