Toronto's Summer Treat Evolution: A Surge of Artisanal Creameries

Toronto is experiencing a significant influx of new ice cream and gelato shops during the summer of 2026, as BlogTO first reported. This surge of entrepreneurial activity is introducing a variety of curated frozen experiences across the city's diverse neighborhoods, ranging from dairy-free alternatives to high-end chef-led ventures.

In the Danforth area, Cloudberry has entered the market with a focus on dairy-free options, specializing in fruit-flavored Dole Whip swirls including dragonfruit, mango, watermelon, and cherry. Meanwhile, the Midtown area saw the arrival of Kela in late June, which utilizes Ontario kefir to produce thick, tart frozen Greek yogurt—a trend BlogTO notes was previously popularized in the U.S. by the concept Myka.

Neighborhood-specific expansions are also evident in the West End. Brokn Milk opened in early July across from Christie Pits, utilizing dairy sourced from Ontario farms to offer a rotating menu that has featured both palm sugar and cookie butter gelato made with Biscoff cookies. On Ossington, the intersection of Dundas and Ossington has welcomed Cherry on Top Gelato, a crimson-colored storefront that pairs scoops with pastries and coffee. Additionally, Disco Ice Cream and Cookies has returned to Ossington, north of Dundas West, following a year-long hiatus.

Further east, the Scarborough staple Brett's has expanded its reach with Bodega by City Cottage Market, establishing a small outpost in a driveway.

The trend toward curated, high-concept treats continues with upcoming openings. Chefs Tosh Agassiz and Jeff Kang, known for their award-winning restaurant Canis, are preparing to launch Cono Gelato in Little Italy later this summer. Furthermore, the team behind Carolina is launching Cremma Gelato, which is scheduled to open this fall at Mirvish Village in the Annex.