What to try at Calgary’s month-long ice cream festival: Our top treat picks
We’re officially in the throes of ice cream season in Calgary, with the kick-off of one of the city’s sweetest festivals.
YYC Ice Cream Fest is back, with over 30 cafes, restaurants, scoop shops, and more offering unique creations until Aug. 17. The event also helps to raise money for Calgary Meals on Wheels, with up to $3 from each item sold going to the organization.
Calgarians will also be able to vote for their favourites, with awards for YYC’s Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop, and the Golden Scoop Award – the best-selling item from the festival – all up for grabs.
At Dished, we couldn’t wait to get into the spirit, and we put three different treats available throughout the festival to the test.
Amato Gelato – Gelato Bombolone Panino
Charlie Hart/Dished
For its entry this year, Amato Gelato is bringing a taste of Italy to YYC with a Bombolone (an Italian-style donut) imported directly from Italy, which is filled with either Nutella or pastry cream. Guests are then able to choose their gelato or sorbetta of choice to be sandwiched in the middle.
What we loved about this offering was the customizability. With dozens of different gelato and sorbetto flavours, it was a choose-your-own-adventure deal. You can opt for something fresh and fruity or rich and decadent depending on your preference. We went for a classic, the pistachio fudge ripple, and would highly recommend it. It was balanced, nutty and paired exceptionally well with the soft Bombolone.
It’s available at Amato Gelato’s locations in Kensington and 17th Avenue.
Pie Junkie – Apple Crumble Ice Cream Pie with Caramel Sauce
Charlie Hart/Dished
It may be summer, but those already craving fall flavours will love Pie Junkie’s creation. Its oat cookie crust is stuffed with a mixture of vanilla ice cream and Pie Junkie’s signature cinnamon apple pie filling. The whole thing is topped with more oat crumble and a swirl of caramel sauce.
The mini pie was not only adorable to look at, but tasted just as sweet. Apple crumble or pie with vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven, so this dessert ticked all the boxes. It was creamy, with a sharpness from the apple and a subtle spice from the cinnamon.
Pie Junkie has four locations in Calgary, where you can try it for yourself.
Vitaminboba – Dunkaberry (with Buttercake)
Charlie Hart/Dished
For those with a serious sweet tooth and a strong nostalgia for Dunkaroos, Vitaminboba has the ultimate ice cream offering. The fully loaded treat features Vitaminboba’s signature buttercake foam, topped with Dunkaroo-inspired ice cream, strawberry popping pearls, and candy.
Out of the gate, we knew this was an ice cream for those with a serious sweet tooth. The buttercake foam was silky smooth and custard-like, pairing well with the Dunkaroo ice cream. Meanwhile, the juicy popping pearls help cut through the creaminess. If you’re looking for a sugar rush, Vitaminboba is the place to be.
Vitaminboba’s Dunkaberry is available at its Kensington and Bowness outposts.
YYC Ice Cream Fest
When: Friday, July 18 to Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025
Where: Various locations across Calgary
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