Get Victoria’s food scene news and updates straight to your inbox

Spring has sprung, the flowers are in full bloom and the sun is shining. You know what that means? Ice cream season is among us! Once upon a time, dairy-free ice cream was difficult to find, but not today. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, lactose intolerant, or just love ice cream of all kinds, these 6 local shops have got you covered.

Cold Comfort Ice Cream

With creative ice cream flavours and custom ice cream cakes that cater to an assortment of food preferences, Cold Comfort‘s motto of “doing whatever the hell they feel like” works out deliciously.

Stop by their CanCanteen for coconut-based ice cream treats such as the Cherry Godmother or the Plain Jane ice cream sandwich (vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookies). Gluten-free and sugar-free options are also sometimes available. Open 7 days a week.

1115 North Park Street, VictoriaCold Comfort Ice Cream@coldcomforticecream

Board with Friends Café

Who would have thought that a board game café would have the best vegan milkshakes in town? Board with Friends Café may be the new kid on the block, but they have already whipped up some truly wonderful vegan menu items such as the Mud Slide milkshake (chocolate Parachute ice cream, Oreo crumbs, chocolate sauce and whipped cream). They also have many other fantastic flavours to choose from such as Strawberry Banana or the Barrel of Monkeys. Go inside, have a seat, and play some board games. Or call it in and pick up a couple of milkshakes to go. Gluten-free options are available. Open 7 days a week.

705 Johnson St., VictoriaBoard with Friends Café@boardwithfriendscafe

Parachute Ice Cream

Speaking of Parachute Ice Cream, you can also visit the shop itself on Bridge Street. We couldn’t agree more with their motto on life: “Every problem has a solution and more often than not, that solution is ice cream”. Beyond their dairy ice cream options, they offer a rotating menu of coconut-based ice cream flavours like Vanilla Bean, Cookies and Cream and Carrot Cake. If you’re looking to bring some home to the family, they also sell pints in returnable glass jars. And, for special occasions, custom ice cream cakes are available. Gluten-free options are also available. Parachute Ice Cream is open 7 days a week.

105-2626 Bridge St., VictoriaParachute Ice Cream@parachuteicecream

Virtuous Pie

One of Victoria’s favourite pizza shops also serves up some seriously delicious cashew and coconut-based ice creams. For the adventurous ice cream lover, they feature an assortment of unique rotating flavors, such as Irish Coffee or Peanut Butter and Jam. Try a scoop (or two) in a waffle cone or, taste three different flavours with the ice cream flight . Gluten-free and nut-free options are also available. Virtuous Pie is open for takeout 7 days a week, their ice cream pints are available for delivery on Tutti, and their back patio is now open!

530 Pandora Ave., VictoriaVirtuous Pie@virtuous_pie

Fish on Fifth

Who would have thought that a family-run fish and chip shop in Sidney would have a full vegan menu? And that the menu would include a wide variety of soy-based milkshakes? Fish on Fifth makes vegan shakes in pretty much any flavour you can imagine, but the Piña Colada and the Black Forest Cake shakes next level. The Pineapple Dole Whip (soft serve) is also dairy-free and highly recommended. This is a great place to stop for a cold treat after picking someone up from the airport or ferry. Open 7 days a week.

9812 Fifth Street, SidneyFish on Fifth@fishonfifth

Burger Crush

Another great place to grab a vegan milkshake is none other than Burger Crush, Victoria’s very own classic burger and fries joint. Their milkshakes are based on a coconut ice cream made in house. The flavour options are Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Root Beer, and Orange. They are open for takeout 7 days a week at the newly-opened Fort street location, and from Thursday to Sunday at the famous food truck on Cook Street.

787 Fort St. and 1580 Cook St., VictoriaBurger Crush@_burgercrush

Don’t forget to to share your food photos on Instagram or Facebook by tagging @tastingvictoria or using #TastingVictoria for a chance to be featured.