Red, white and blue – that’s how we’re feeling post Canada Day and Fourth of July celebrations. Before we head off to work or summer school, we find ourselves craving something sweet while staring at Taylor Swift’s Instagram pictures of her Independence Day bash and wishing we were members of her infamous squad. They sure have the coolest ice cream hookups, so here are 7 places to beat the summer blues and up our insta-game while doing it.
1. Put A Cone On It – 633 Bloor Street West
Photo by Sarah Katz
This adorable new spot is just a bit of a walk away from campus. Your almost at Koreatown if you’ve passed by this place – and it’s definitely a place to stop by. The ice cream here is of gelato consistency, but also rotates flavors regularly and offers a piece of waffle cone with each cup. Talk about sweet.
2. Greg’s Ice Cream – 750 Spadina Avenue
Photo courtesy of lo.pitt on Instagram
If you’re ever around Bloor & Spadina, you know Greg’s. This is usually a hot spot for students and usually jam packed during the summer. This is just a few steps away from campus and a great place for a yummy study break.
3. Summers Ice Cream – 101 Yorkville Avenue
Photo by Sarah Katz
This shop is also not too far from campus and serves a couple more classic flavors than Greg’s. This place is definitely a hole in wall and might take some perusing around Yorkville to find, however it’s definitely worth the extra strolling. Summers has that classic, authentic, ice cream shop vibe and is perfect for a hot day in scenic Yorkville.
4. Sweet Jesus – 106 John Street
Photo by Sarah Katz
Oh, Sweet Jesus. This place has made many headlines already this past year, with the decadent toppings and mouthwatering Instagrams. My friend and I hopped on the subway one day after class to experience the craze. This place is definitely a fan favorite, but is super heavy on the toppings. If you are into a more plain base and dressing your cone up – Sweet Jesus is for you. Another fair warning, if there’s a Jays game that night, prepare to wait in out-the-door lines.
5. Junked Food Co. – 1256 Dundas St West
Photo courtesy of @3dmily on Instagram
This cone held many similarities to Sweet Jesus, the luxurious toppings and all. However, Junked Food Co. offers different flavors and even lights your marshmallow fluff on fire right before your eyes. Although it’s a bit of trek from campus, hopping on the Dundas or College westbound streetcars will get you right there. You might experience shorter lines than Sweet Jesus as well. I would say it’s worth the trip.
6. Dutch Dreams – 36 Vaughan Rd
Photo by Sarah Katz
This St. Clair West staple is just as mouthwatering as the other shops on this list. Your choices include various flavors with a whipped cream and fruit topping to boot. Just a mere two subway stops up from campus, you can find yourself holding one of these bad boy cones and making your way through Forest Hill. Definitely keep this one your bucket list.
7. The Big Chill – 367 Manning Avenue
Photo courtesy of @katzemily on Instagram
Last but certainly not least, The Big Chill is a must go to for that ultimate summer cool down. It also offers a whipped cream topping with each cone, but instead of fruit each order comes with a little cookie topping. The store’s decorations are fun and funky, similar to Dutch Dreams and the perfect ambiance for that Instagram you’ve been dying to post all week. It’s just a bit down College, so hop on the streetcar after finals at the exam centre or if you’re feeling ambitious just head west.