Ice cream is one of those magical treats that brings joy no matter the season. Whether youâre basking under the hot Canadian sun in July or bundling up in Januaryâs icy winds, thereâs always a reason to indulge in a creamy scoop (or two). At Six Swirls, we believe that ice cream isnât just foodâitâs a nostalgic experience, a little escape from the everyday, and a way to bring people together.
In this blog, letâs dive into how frozen treats help Canadians beat the summer heat, why winter is secretly the best time to enjoy ice cream, and the must-try flavors and styles to make your sweet tooth sing year-round.
When summer hits in Canada, it really hits. From the bustling city streets of Toronto to sunny cottage weekends in Muskoka, the temperatures soar and the craving for something cold and refreshing becomes unavoidable. Hereâs how to keep your cool with the best frozen treats of the season.
Nothing beats the classics. July and August are made for those tried-and-true favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. But at Six Swirls, we take these timeless flavors up a notch by blending them with a nostalgic twistâthink cookies & cream that reminds you of dunking Oreos as a kid, or rich chocolate swirls that melt into ribbons of fudge.
Classic doesnât mean boring; it means dependable, delicious, and perfect for summer afternoons.
Summer is also peak fruit season, which means ice cream bursting with natural sweetness and tang. Picture this:
đ Strawberry Swirl with chunks of real fruit
đ Pineapple-Coconut for a tropical escape without leaving your backyard
đ Peach Sorbet thatâs light, juicy, and 100% dairy-free
These fruity flavors are like sunshine in a cone. Theyâre vibrant, hydrating, and perfect for kids and adults who want a break from the heavy sweetness of chocolate-based treats.
Sometimes, you donât want a bowl or coneâyou just want something quick, cold, and portable. Enter popsicles. These frozen favorites are a Canadian summer staple because theyâre:
Easy to enjoy at barbecues, festivals, or picnics
Available in a rainbow of colors and flavors
Perfect for kids running around in sprinklers or after a swim at the lake
At Six Swirls, weâve reinvented popsicles with creative twistsâlike layered pops made with real fruit juice, or swirls of yogurt and berries that double as a healthier snack.
Canada is one of the most inclusive countries when it comes to food, and summer treats should be no exception. Whether youâre vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just experimenting with plant-based living, there are plenty of dairy-free frozen treats to enjoy.
Our top picks:
đŚ Coconut milk ice cream â rich, creamy, and tropical
đą Almond-based chocolate swirl â satisfying without the dairy
đ§ Fruit-based sorbets â refreshing and naturally dairy-free
At Six Swirls, inclusivity is at the heart of our menu. No one should miss out on the joy of ice cream, especially in the peak of summer.
Every region has its seasonal treasures, and Canadian summers are filled with them:
Maple Pecan Crunch â because maple syrup isnât just for pancakes
Blueberry Bliss â inspired by Ontarioâs blueberry harvest
Saskatoon Berry Swirl â a Prairie favorite with a tart, jammy flavor
Seasonal flavors are more than just tastyâthey connect us to the land, the culture, and the memories of summer road trips and family gatherings.
Summer isnât just about what youâre eatingâitâs about who youâre eating it with. Ice cream has always been the centerpiece of Canadian summer traditions:
đŚ Walking down the boardwalk with a dripping cone in hand
đ Sharing sundaes after Canada Day fireworks
đ¨ Hosting backyard ice cream socials where toppings are endless
At Six Swirls, weâre all about reviving those nostalgic memories of chasing the ice cream truck and making new traditions around sweet, swirly moments.
Now, letâs flip the script. When the snow falls, the temperatures dip below freezing, and youâre wrapped in five layers of clothing, the last thing you might think of is ice cream. But hereâs the fun part: Canadians actually love ice cream year-round!
Canada is famous for its long, cold wintersâbut instead of hiding from them, Canadians embrace them. If you can skate on frozen lakes, shovel snow, and cheer at hockey games in minus-20 weather, why not also enjoy a scoop of ice cream?
In fact, eating ice cream in the cold can feel even more specialâit doesnât melt as fast, and the contrast of creamy sweetness against frosty air is unforgettable.
Winter calls for flavors that feel cozy, comforting, and indulgent. These arenât your light, fruity summer treatsâtheyâre bold, rich, and sometimes even spiced. Some of our winter favorites at Six Swirls:
Hot Chocolate Swirl â chocolate ice cream with marshmallow ribbons
Peppermint Bark Crunch â festive and refreshing
Gingerbread Cookie Dough â holiday cheer in every bite
Cinnamon Churro Swirl â warming spices that feel like a hug
Pair these with a warm blanket and a movie, and suddenly, ice cream in winter makes perfect sense.
Hereâs a little-known winter hack: ice cream + hot drinks = perfection.
Scoop vanilla ice cream into a mug of hot chocolate for a creamy float
Add a scoop of coffee ice cream to your latte for a homemade affogato
Pair peppermint ice cream with hot tea for a minty kick
At Six Swirls, we love experimenting with these cozy pairings to make ice cream a year-round delight.
Winter in Canada is full of outdoor festivals, skating rinks, and community events. And guess what? Ice cream shows up there too! From holiday markets to winter carnivals, frozen treats are just as loved in December as they are in July.
Imagine strolling through a Christmas market, lights twinkling, with a festive cone of peppermint swirlâitâs magic.
Surveys have shown that Canadians donât stop buying ice cream in the winter months. In fact, many argue it tastes better when itâs cold outside because you donât have to worry about it melting.
The truth is, ice cream isnât just a summer dessertâitâs an emotional one. Itâs tied to joy, nostalgia, and celebration. Whether youâre celebrating a birthday in February or cozying up by the fire, Six Swirls is always part of the moment.
Ice cream has always been more than foodâitâs a cultural icon, a family tradition, and a mood-booster. Hereâs why Canadians canât get enough, regardless of the season:
Nostalgia Factor: It reminds us of childhood summers chasing ice cream trucks.
Celebration Food: From birthdays to anniversaries, ice cream is always invited.
Mood Booster: A scoop of something sweet is scientifically proven to make you happier (yes, really!).
Inclusive Treat: With dairy-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly options, everyone can join in.
At Six Swirls, weâre not just scooping ice creamâweâre scooping up memories, connections, and happiness.
So, can ice cream really be enjoyed year-round in Canada? Absolutely.
In summer, itâs the ultimate way to beat the heat with refreshing fruity flavors, popsicles, and dairy-free options.
In winter, it transforms into a cozy indulgence, pairing perfectly with hot drinks and festive flavors.
No matter the season, Six Swirls is here to bring back the joy of childhood nostalgia and create new memories, one swirl at a time. Because whether itâs July or January, Canadians know: life is sweeter with ice cream.