When exploring Toronto’s historic Distillery District, there’s no shortage of art, culture, and – most importantly – delicious desserts. For those with a sweet tooth, the area offers a delightful selection of ice cream and gelato shops.
Find your perfect treat between sightseeing or as the grand finale to your Distillery District tour. Here are the neighbourhood’s top spots to indulge in frozen desserts.
Scooped by Demetres
Why Visit: Scooped by Demetres is a must-stop for anyone craving inventive, handcrafted ice cream. Their rotating menu features creative flavours like mango passion fruit sorbetto and lemon curd blueberry, all made with high-quality ingredients. Enjoy your scoop in a freshly made waffle cone while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Distillery District.
SOMA chocolatemaker
Why Visit: Renowned for its artisanal chocolate, SOMA also serves some of the creamiest, most decadent gelato in the city. The chocolate gelato, in particular, is a crowd favorite – but our staff is partial to pistachio when they have it. With a rotating selection of about a dozen flavours – often featuring seasonal and unique ingredients.
SOMA is a paradise for gelato lovers – and don’t forget to try a truffle or grab a bar of their iconic Old School chocolate while you’re there.
The Sweet Escape Patisserie
Why Visit: The Sweet Escape Patisserie is a hidden gem for those seeking homemade ice cream with a twist.
Their frequently changing menu offers inventive flavours like crème brûlée, caramelized pineapple, and s’mores. Relax and enjoy a sweet treat at one of our favourite local businesses in the Distillery District. They also have a rotating cast of ice cream bar flavours that some Go Tours Guides claim is a completely nutritious lunch alternative.
Izumi Sake House
Why Visit: For a truly unique frozen treat experience, Izumi Sake House offers handcrafted sakekasu ice cream that’s unlike anything else in the city.
Their sake vanilla ice cream (with 1% alcohol content) provides a sophisticated twist on traditional dessert, while their yuzu + lemon and cranberry sorbet options showcase Japanese flavors in frozen form. It’s the perfect way to cool down while exploring something authentically different – a must-try for adventurous food lovers looking to expand their palate.
Maisonette
Why Visit: This charming boutique shop on Tank House Lane offers artisanal ice pops alongside their curated selection of local artisan foods. Their fruity ice pops are crafted with the same attention to quality that defines all their locally-sourced products.
Located right in the heart of the Distillery District, Maisonette specializes in high-quality, locally-made treats, making their ice pops a perfect complement to browsing their collection of chocolates, teas, and other gourmet goodies.
Eataly
Why Visit: For authentic Italian gelato alongside other indulgent desserts like cannoli and tiramisù, Eataly brings a taste of Italy to the Distillery District. Located on Trinity Street in the lower level of Gotstyle, this Italian marketplace offers artisanal gelato as part of their curated selection of Italian treats. It’s perfect for those seeking traditional Italian flavors in an authentic setting – plus you can grab a cappuccino or espresso shakerato to complete the Italian experience.
Craving Something Savory Instead?
The Canadian Beer & Cheese Tour by Go Tours Canada
Not everyone’s in the mood for something sweet! For those seeking a more sophisticated palate adventure, our very own Canadian Beer & Cheese Tour offers the perfect savory alternative. This 2-hour guided experience takes you through the historic Distillery District, but instead of ice cream shops, you’ll discover Toronto’s craft beer scene paired with Ontario’s finest artisanal cheeses.
What Makes It Special: You’ll enjoy tastings at two local breweries while learning captivating stories about the Distillery District from expert guides. The tour includes a carefully curated charcuterie board featuring Ontario artisanal cheese and meats.
Perfect For: Adults looking for a more refined tasting experience, couples seeking a unique date activity, or small teambuilding groups that love sharing good bites and beer! Tours run Friday & Saturday at 1:30 PM (we’re helping you play hooky), with private group bookings available for custom times.
Tips for Your Distillery District Dessert Adventure
- Try Something New: Each shop offers unique flavours you won’t find anywhere else – from sake-infused ice cream to artisanal gelato made by chocolate masters.
- Perfect for All Ages: Whether you’re traveling with kids or friends, these spots cater to every taste preference and dietary need. Okay, maybe not the Beer and Cheese Tour – but we can substitute for alternatives if your little ones aren’t 19+.
- Photo-Worthy Treats: Don’t forget your camera—these desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious, especially against the historic cobblestone backdrop.
- Combine with a Tour: Unwind with a sweet treat and soak up the historic ambiance of the Distillery District with a Go Tours Canada walking or Segway tour.
- Visit Multiple Stops: With so many unique options within walking distance, why not make it a dessert crawl?
Planning Your Sweet Adventure
Best Times to Visit: Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, while weekend evenings offer the most vibrant atmosphere. Summer months provide the perfect weather for strolling with your frozen treat.
What to Expect: Most shops offer both classic and adventurous flavors, with many rotating seasonal specialties. Prices typically range from $5-9 per serving, with premium options like sake ice cream at the higher end.
As you wander the brick lined streets and soak in the historic atmosphere, remember: the sweetest moments often come from unexpected discoveries. Whether you’re a visitor seeking adventure or a local rediscovering your city, these dessert destinations are a delicious way to connect with Toronto’s vibrant spirit.
Ready to taste your way through the Distillery District? Join us on your next tour and let Go Tours Canada guide you to the city’s sweetest secrets – one scoop at a time. What will your favorite flavor be?
