Toronto's most iconic ice cream shop is officially open for the season

Toronto may have gotten a rocky start to spring 2026, but some traditions simply don't care whether it's 18 C or a blizzard — and one of the city's most cherished, the opening day of Tom's Dairy Freeze, remains unaffected.

As sure a sign of spring as the sound of honking geese flying overhead, or religiously tracking the development of the High Park cherry blossoms, the seasonal reopening of Etobicoke's Tom's Dairy Freeze is an annual cause for celebration.

The legendary establishment has been churning out swirls of soft-serve on The Queensway since 1969, serving as a seasonal source of brainfreeze and frosty treats for generations of locals.

After shutting down for the season on Nov. 23, 2025, Tom's Dairy Freeze is officially back in business today, Friday, March 20.

Tom's Dairy Freeze in peak season. Photo by Jack Landau.

From here on out, Toronto can count on warmer days (for the most part) ahead, and a nearly non-stop lineup at the charmingly retro ice cream shop.

If you want to avoid the lines or if you simply need an endless supply of Tom's ice cream at your disposal, you can also order on Uber Eats, but, really, where's the fun in that?

Tom's Dairy Freeze is located at 630 The Queensway.