Just ask anyone who knows me well. They’ll tell you stories about the loving relationship ice cream and I share. I would say “No thanks!” to cheesecake, politely decline doughnuts, and let all the pies pass me by, if it ever meant that I would have to choose between one of those and ice cream. And if you think this is just a summertime affair, think again. This is a year-round commitment as it should be in any loving relationship.

Perhaps your passion for ice cream doesn’t run as deep, but come on, admit it: you know you enjoy this sweet treat too! If you haven’t had your fair share of ice cream this summer, well, I’d encourage you to get right on that. There’s still enough time to savour this chilled delight. Here are a few places we’d recommend you try.

1. Bridge Drive-In

Location: 766 Jubilee Avenue, Winnipeg

Fondly known as BDI, Bridge Drive-In has been in the ice cream-making business for 55 years with no signs of slowing down. BDI offers 11 flavours of soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, and classics like the Goog, Sleeping Beauty, and Peach Velvet. For those looking for vegan options, BDI also has a few to choose from.

2. Cornell Creme

Location: Various locations in Manitoba

Talk about going back to basics. That’s exactly what Cornell Creme has done with its recipe. Cornell boasts ice cream that is free from stabilizers, fillers, and words you can’t pronounce. They keep it real and above all, they keep it simple with fresh fruits, vanilla beans, and even some beer is thrown into the mix to create those flavours Manitobans just can’t seem to get enough of. While there is no storefront, you can find Cornell Creme in just about every corner of Manitoba.

3. Half Moon Drive-In

Location: 6860 Henderson Hwy, Lockport

If you’ve never been to the Half Moon Drive-In's ice cream counter, you may want to step aside for a moment and let the regulars place their orders first, that is if it’s a not-so-busy day. Otherwise, feel free to stand in line and let the possibilities flood your imagination. If you like soft ice cream, Half Moon’s got that. Sundaes? You’re covered there too. Hard ice cream? No problem! And let’s not even get into the flavour burst options, the specialties, or the beloved comets. Half Moon even has frozen yogurt too!

4. Neon Cone & Frogurts

Location: 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg

If you’re ever at The Forks for lunch, you don’t have to go too far in search of dessert. Neon Cone serves up 24 flavours of ice cream, six flavours of gelati, and three flavours of soft serve. And if you’re more of a frozen yogurt fan, Frogurt is just around the corner. Arguably some of the best frozen yogurt you’ll ever find, it’s blended with any of the 14 flavours offered, which also includes fresh frozen fruit.

5. Beausejour Dairy Bar

Location: 813 Park Avenue, Beausejour

While Beausejour Dairy Bar’s menu includes some appetizing food options, it’s the ice cream that people always rave about and keep going back for. The selections are endless, the atmosphere is cute and the treats are oh-so-satisfying.

6. Sargent Sundae

Location: 2053 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

There’s no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with a stroll through Assiniboine Park with ice cream from Sargent Sundae in hand. This spot is often busy, but the wait is definitely worth its weight in menu options, friendly staff, and just plain old yummy ice cream.

7. Eva’s Gelato

Location: 1001 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg

Eva. Eva. Eva. With 35 flavours of creamy gelato on a really good day, 22 flavours on a merely good one, and dairy-free options to choose from too, there’s really no need to say much more about Eva’s Gelato.

8. Boon Burger

Location: 79 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg

Don’t be fooled by the word “burger” in its name. Boon not only serves up some wickedly delicious vegan meals, but this joint also offers some of the best gluten-free, coconut milk soft-served ice cream. And Boon Burger is just full of surprises, featuring a new flavour every day. Today it could be chocolate, tomorrow, vanilla, the next day a fruit flavour. You just never know with these guys!