Parlour Ice Cream: Calgary's Handcrafted Scoop Shop on the Riverfront
At 537 Riverfront Ave SE in East Village — steps from the Bow River and the Peace Bridge — Parlour Ice Cream handcrafts every scoop on-site using locally-sourced ingredients, fresh house-made waffle cones, and flavours you won't find at a chain.
July 2, 2026 · By Justin Plosz · Calgary, Alberta · Business · 6 min read
Handcrafted on the Riverfront
There is a reason Parlour Ice Cream holds a 4.8-star rating from 871 Google reviews and consistently rates among Calgary's top ice cream destinations. The shop at 537 Riverfront Ave SE does not use commercial base mixes or pre-made batches shipped from a central facility. Everything is made on-site, in-house, using locally-sourced ingredients selected for flavour and freshness.
The location is one of the best in East Village. It sits directly on the Riverfront, steps from the Bow River pathway system and a short walk from the Peace Bridge. The Stampede grounds, the RiverWalk, and the broader East Village neighbourhood are all within easy walking distance. For visitors and locals alike, it is a natural stop — on the way back from a walk along the river, after an evening at a Stampede show, or simply as a destination in itself.
The shop is open every day from 11 AM to 10 PM, which means it is accessible for an afternoon treat or a late-evening scoop after dinner. The hours do not change seasonally — Parlour runs the full day, every day.
What Makes It Different: The Handcrafted Standard
The word "handcrafted" is used loosely in the food industry. At Parlour Ice Cream, it has a specific, observable meaning.
Every flavour is produced on-site using ingredients sourced locally where possible. The fat content and production method produce ice cream that is notably thicker and creamier than commercial alternatives — reviewers consistently describe the texture as "rich," "super thick," and "not very sweet in the best way." The difference is most obvious in the melt: Parlour ice cream melts slowly and evenly, which is the signature of a higher fat content and smaller batch production.
The waffle cones are baked fresh in the shop daily. Customers entering Parlour are typically greeted by the smell of waffle cones before they reach the counter — a deliberate part of the experience. Several reviewers have specifically called out the cones as unrivalled.
Parlour also offers samples before you commit, which matters when the flavour menu includes options like Saffron Rose, Ube, London Fog, and Tiramisu alongside Everyday Classics like Salted Caramel and Cookies and Cream.
The Menu: Classics and Conversation Starters
Parlour runs two menu tiers at the Calgary location.
The Everyday Classics are the anchors: Cookies and Cream, Cookie Monster, Pistachio, Whiskey Hazelnut, Strawberry, and Salted Caramel. These are consistent, reliable, and executed at a level above what the name might suggest — the Whiskey Hazelnut in particular has a dedicated following among regulars.
The specialty flavours are where Parlour earns its reputation for being interesting. Saffron Rose, Ube, London Fog, Tiramisu, and Lavender have all appeared on the Calgary rotation. Seasonal additions have included Mango, Chocolate Cherry Brownie (made with local cherries and fudgy brownie pieces), and Mint Chocolate. The London Fog — Earl Grey with a hint of vanilla — is one of the most-mentioned flavours in customer reviews. The Ube is described as "so smooth and perfectly sweet."
Portions are large by Calgary standards. A single scoop runs around $5 and is consistently described as being "worth two scoops." Parlour also offers a Buy 2 Get 1 Free deal on Classic Pints, which can be mixed across vegan and classic options. Vegan flavours and gluten-free options are available across the menu, and staff take cross-contamination concerns seriously.
Practical Details for Your Visit
537 Riverfront Ave SE is in the heart of East Village, directly on the river pathway between the Peace Bridge and the St. Patrick's Island pedestrian bridge. Parking is available along Riverfront Avenue and in the East Village surface lots. The location is easily walkable from the Beltline, from Stampede Park during event weeks, and from the downtown core via the Peace Bridge.
Parlour is dog-friendly — the staff provide free ice cream for dogs when the owner is purchasing, which is a detail that appears in multiple reviews as a reason to return. The interior seating is compact, but the Riverfront location makes outdoor eating an obvious option for most of the year.
For delivery, Parlour is available on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. Parlour has also expanded to Kelowna, BC — Downtown Kelowna and Gyro Beach — but the Calgary Riverfront location operates independently and is the shop to visit if you are in the city. Follow @parlour.icecream on Instagram for current flavour availability and seasonal specials.
Key takeaways
- Parlour Ice Cream at 537 Riverfront Ave SE handcrafts every scoop on-site using locally-sourced ingredients and bakes fresh waffle cones in-house daily — open 11 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week.
- The shop holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 871 reviews and a 4.9/5 rating from 600+ Uber Eats reviews — one of the highest-rated ice cream destinations in Calgary.
- The menu runs Everyday Classics alongside specialty flavours including Saffron Rose, Ube, London Fog, Tiramisu, and Lavender. Staff offer samples before you commit.
- Portions are large — a single scoop (~$5) is consistently described as feeling like two. Vegan and gluten-free options are available across the menu.
- Parlour is dog-friendly, delivery-available (Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes), and located steps from the Bow River pathway — walkable from Stampede Park, the Peace Bridge, and the East Village RiverWalk.
- The Calgary Riverfront location is one of three Parlour shops — the others are in Downtown Kelowna and Gyro Beach, Kelowna, BC.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Parlour Ice Cream's Calgary location?
- Parlour Ice Cream Calgary is at 537 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1K2, in East Village on the Bow River pathway. It is open 11 AM to 10 PM every day of the week.
- What flavours does Parlour Ice Cream serve in Calgary?
- Parlour's Calgary menu includes Everyday Classics (Cookies and Cream, Cookie Monster, Pistachio, Whiskey Hazelnut, Strawberry, Salted Caramel) and specialty flavours such as Saffron Rose, Ube, London Fog, Tiramisu, Lavender, and rotating seasonals. Check @parlour.icecream on Instagram for the current live menu.
- Does Parlour Ice Cream have vegan options?
- Yes. Parlour Ice Cream offers vegan flavours alongside its classic dairy menu. Staff take gluten-free and cross-contamination concerns seriously. The Buy 2 Get 1 Free Classic Pint deal can be mixed across vegan and classic options.
- Is Parlour Ice Cream dog-friendly?
- Yes. Parlour Ice Cream gives free ice cream to dogs when the owner is purchasing. Multiple reviewers have mentioned this as a standout detail about the Calgary Riverfront location.
- Can I order Parlour Ice Cream for delivery in Calgary?
- Yes. Parlour Ice Cream Calgary is available on Uber Eats (4.9/5 from 600+ reviews), DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. You can also purchase Classic Pints with a Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer through delivery platforms.
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