Harlans Chocolates and Gelato

Their Belgian chocolate gelato is, in a word, sublime. Not too sweet, the texture is super velvety and so, so rich. What do you expect, since they also make fine chocolates? There are only two small tables inside, so plan on having your cold treats to go unless it’s quiet and you can grab a seat.

This gelato was super flavorful and creative. I had the strawberry lavender with the watermelon, while my family bought the Belgian chocolate with salted caramel in a pint to bring home.
It didn’t last very long in the freezer-​it was quickly devoured. Which is a great indicator of it’s deliciousness.

They have a chocolate Doctor Who Tardis.
I can literally EAT MY DREAMS.
This place is pretty nifty, even if you don’t happen to be a BBC sci-​fi aficionado (or Star Wars, they also have the Millennium Falcon in milk chocolate…) What imagery does one use for «a kid in a candy store» when the store IS a candy store? Because this spot is chock full of nostalgic excitement.
From salt water taffy, to jelly bellies and chocolate turtles — this place is bursting with delicious things from your childhood (or new memories for your wee one’s present). Plus it carries an impressive assortment of gelato by the cup, cone, half pint or pint. Salted caramel is a fast favourite but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Lavender Lime if it’s available. It’s interesting and refreshing — a tasty after dinner option if you don’t have TOO much room to fill. Opt for a small or kids size though, this flavour doesn’t lend itself well to large portions.
Bonus badass points awarded for the fact that during high season, this spot is open until 10pm. Even. On. Sunday.
Definitely worth a peek if you’re just visiting and bound to become a regular haunt for my local parentals.

We’ve been camping on Salt Spring for 7 years in a row now & our holiday is not complete without a visit (or 2 or 3 or everyday!) to Harlan’s. The staff has always been exceptionally helpful & friendly. They have a fantastic variety of flavours of both gelato & sorbetto — personal family favourites are Mt. Maxwell Mint and anything with lavender. Their helpings are very generous and they are more than happy to give sample tastes. We would highly recommend multiple visits if you’re on SS Isl. for more than a day or two as the variety of gelato changes every day.
BUT Harlan’s isn’t all about gelato… they are an exceptionally well-​stocked chocolate & candy store as well. DO NOT miss out on trying their home-​made caramel! Everything they offer is of the highest quality & just like with their variety of gelato there are a RAINBOW of options available.
And then (just to make friends & family jealous) grab one of owner Dan’s homemade postcards (naked hippies anyone?!?) and tell everyone you know that they NEED to get to Harlan’s!
We LOVE Harlan’s & HIGHLY recommend a visit!

If you need an icecream fix in the worst way on a hot summer’s day on Saltspring, head to Harlan’s for their amazing old-​fashioned style creamery gelato. The style may be old, but the flavours are definately not. My all time most memorable flavours are pistachio, salted caramel, and the dark chocolate.
Come for the icecream, stay for the funky candy and trekkie postcards. My gf who has a hard on for licorice, always gets a bag of their amazing organic red licorice whips, they also have pastilles, peas n carrots, maple candy, and some amazing chocolates. I like their selection of chocolate decorations, such as little chocolate rocks that looks like what you might drop in your fish tank in all different colours and some cute little chocolate baubles to decorate cupcakes with.
The Trek nerd in me just couldn’t resist their cute little trek inspired postcards (see the pics) !!

Drawn in by the gelato sign, my friend and I were on a mission to consume the most sugar we have had in a very long time.
We were not disappointed in the selection we found. The salted caramel is their most popular and you’ll understand when you try it. The pistachio was also magic in my mouth.
If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon this gem you need to indulge in their heavenly gelato.

Wicked gelato, a must for anybody who enjoys a good treat from good people