Summer in New Brunswick basically runs on two things: sunshine and ice cream. Whether you’re heading to the cottage on Grand Lake, road-tripping the Acadian Coast, or just wandering downtown on a hot afternoon, there’s a scoop shop, ice cream truck, or roadside stand waiting for you. Here are 15 spots from across the province worth the drive (and the sugar rush).
1. McCabe’s Ice Cream — Whites Cove & Springdale
A Grand Lake-area staple for more than 30 years, McCabe’s serves old-fashioned homemade ice cream out of a cute, 1950s retro-styled shop. It’s the perfect stop on the way to the cottage or while cruising the back roads of the countryside.
2. Singing Nomad Café & Ice Cream — Bathurst
Parked right at the Bathurst Marina on Chaleur Bay, this café-and-ice-cream-truck combo runs out of a beautifully decorated van. Grab a cone and a cold drink and take in the water view — it’s an Acadian Coast must.
3. Le Scoop Royal — Edmundston
Right next to City Hall Square in the heart of Edmundston, Le Scoop Royal has an extensive menu covering soft and hard ice cream, ice cream rolls, and even lactose-free options. Great spot to grab a treat before an outdoor concert downtown.
4. McGuire’s Chocolate Company — Saint Andrews
On the picturesque main strip of Saint Andrews, McGuire’s makes everything in house, with creative flavours like lavender honey and lemon basil alongside the classics. Peek into the working chocolate factory while you’re there.
5. Cali.Cones — Miramichi
Tucked outside the Cali.Co Café, Cali.Cones covers all the bases — simple vanilla, dairy-free strawberry sorbet, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, chocolate jalapeño soft serve.
6. Bella’s Traditional Ice Cream — Saint John
Consistently rated one of the top spots in the city, Bella’s is known for rich, full-flavoured ice cream and solid vegan options. A reliable pick in the Saint John dessert scene.
7. Delish Gourmet Rolled Ice Cream — Saint John & Fredericton
With locations on Prince William Street in Saint John and King Street in Fredericton, Delish specializes in fresh, handcrafted rolled ice cream with around 20 everyday flavours to mix and match.
8. Queen Street Creamery — Fredericton
Small-batch, luxury ice cream right in downtown Fredericton. It’s an easy stop after browsing the shops or galleries along Queen Street.
9. Riverhaven Red Barn — Fredericton Junction
A family-run seasonal spot on a working farm, complete with sheep, ducks, and the occasional pony wandering by while you eat. Try the key lime pie flavour or a gourmet sundae like tropical coconut cream cheesecake — it’s been recognized as one of the top ice cream shops in Atlantic Canada.
10. Yum Yums Dairy Bar — Nackawic
Home to some seriously oversized scoops near the World’s Largest Axe, Yum Yums leans into the fun with novelty treats like ice cream nachos and a unicorn sundae. Walk it off at the Big Axe Marina afterward.
11. Sully’s Ice Cream Parlour — Sussex
A local go-to in the Sussex area, Sully’s is the classic small-town ice cream parlour experience — simple, satisfying, and reliably good.
12. Lost & Found Ice Cream — Moncton
A trendy specialty shop on St. George Street known for unique, daring flavour combinations that go well beyond the usual chocolate-and-vanilla lineup. Fair warning: Halo Donuts is right next door.
13. King’s Ice Cream — Moncton
A longtime Moncton favourite on Mountain Road, with a cheerful setup of flowers and funky ice cream-themed seating that makes for a good photo op along with your cone.
14. Tropical Chill — Moncton
Billed as home to the only authentic Hawaiian shaved ice on the East Coast of Canada, Tropical Chill also serves a solid lineup of hard ice cream. Keep an eye out for their mobile unit at events around the city too.
15. Octopus Ice Cream — St. Martins
A true roadside gem, right on the wharf in the seaside village of St. Martins. Grab a cone and take it down to the beach or the sea caves for the full Fundy Coast experience.
A few tips before you go: many of these are small, seasonal operations, so hours can shift with the weather — it’s worth checking their Facebook pages before making a special trip. Cash is king at a lot of the smaller stands, so grab some before you head out. And if you’ve got a favourite spot that didn’t make this list, that’s what next summer’s road trip is for.
