Everyone seems to know how harsh Winnipeg winters can be, but what’s a lot less discussed (or mocked endlessly in internet chat rooms across the world) is that Winnipeg summers are HOT. We’re no strangers to sunny skies and 25 degree days in this city.
Whether you’re out Fringin’, Folkin’, or Manyfestin’ this summer, don’t sweat it -- here’s a guide to a few flavourful treats that’ll keep you cool.
Ice Cream Flights at Neon Cone (1 Forks Market Rd)
Just in case beer, wine, and coffee flights weren’t enough for you, ice cream flights have now landed at The Forks Market. Find them at Neon Cone, the family-run ice cream shop that’s been slinging soft and hard serve there for more than 20 years.
Choose from four made-in-house scoops of gelato or ice cream, with locally-sourced flavours like strawberry rhubarb crumble, espresso flake, carrot cake, and local honey + lavender.
Cotton Candy shake at Vicky’s Diner (58 Albert St)
Their milkshakes bring all the boys (and girls) to the Exchange District, where the family-owned burger biz from Ste. Anne, MB opened their second location in May. Grab a chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry shake all year round, or try a creamy cotton candy shake off the summer menu (carnie not included).
Pop Cart ice pops (mobile cart)
Winnipeg is a far cry from the sandy shores of Puerto Vallarta, but that’s exactly where the inspiration for Pop Cart originated. These handmade, paleta-influenced pops pretty much come in any flavour you can dream up -- think lime mojito, peach hibiscus, and blackberry-ginger lemonade -- and are loaded with fruit, not added sugar. Find the mobile cart at festivals (right now they are at Folk Fest, with over 9,000 pops ready to go) and farmers markets around the city, plus a handful of select shops (check their website for a detailed list). Enjoying the warm weather with your four-legged friend? Pop Cart has pup-friendly pops, too!
Oh Doughnuts ice cream doughnut sandwich (326 Broadway)
Move over, PB and J. Take a seat, fish and chips. There’s a cool new culinary couple in town: a sizable scoop of local Cornell Creme vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two halves of a house-made glazed doughnut from Oh Doughnuts. Is it too soon to say “I love you”?
Le Monkey Bar monkey shakes (50 Provencher Boulevard)
Taking a cue from Gwen Stefani, this stuff is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S.
Chocolate-coated polar bananas and ‘monkey shakes’ made with a base of blended dates, coconut milk + bananas are two of the frozen treats you’ll find on the menu at Le Monkey Bar, situated on the pedestrian-friendly Esplanade Riel bridge in Saint Boniface. Shake flavours include birthday cake, cookie monster, triple chocolate, and mango. Smoothies and vegan-friendly options are available here too!
Bronuts iced teas and sodas (C-100 King St)
If you’ve reached your doughnut quota for the day (just kidding, “the limit does not exist”), switch it up with an iced tea or soda from Bronuts. Their drink flavours are just as delicious as their doughnuts, with house-made syrups like ginger and lemongrass.
Chocolatier Constance Popp (180 Provencher Boulevard)
While Constance and her crew's chocolate creations get a lot of the headlines, they also serve up a ridiculous number of frozen treats throughout the summer that utilize all things local. The birch syrup ice cream (available in a waffle cone with a fancy butterfly chocolate topping) is alone worth a visit for its oh-so-buttery texture, while they also do ice cream sandwiches (all components made in house) along with popsicles that celebrate the season like raspberry-rhubarb.
