There’s a certain magic that hangs in the Toronto air during the warmer months—a feeling of endless possibilities and vibrant energy. For many of us, that feeling is often accompanied by a specific sound – the cheerful jingle of an approaching ice cream truck. Growing up in Toronto, ice cream trucks weren’t just a source of frozen treats but a symbol of summer fun, spontaneous joy, and the simple pleasures of childhood. Now, as a team that loves to host and plan events, we’ve seen first-hand the incredible way an ice cream truck rental can bring that same magic to gatherings across Toronto and the GTA.
Think back to those carefree days: the thrill of chasing the truck down the street, the anticipation of choosing your favourite treat, the pure bliss of that first chilled bite on a hot sunny day. That nostalgia and happiness is exactly what an ice cream truck rental can bring to your Toronto event – whether it’s a birthday party in High Park, a corporate picnic by the lake, or a community festival in your neighborhood. It’s more than just dessert; it’s an experience that creates smiles and lasting memories for everyone. In this post, we’ll share how you can sweeten your next Toronto celebration with the perfect ice cream truck, covering everything from the types of menu items available and event suitability to Toronto ice cream truck prices, planning tips, and what to look for in a rental. So, if you’re looking for an ice cream truck for rent in Toronto or wondering how to hire an ice cream truck in Toronto for your event, read on!
An iconic ice cream truck bringing joy to the city streets – a familiar sight that brings out the kid in all of us.
Understanding Ice Cream Truck Rental Costs in Toronto
One of the first questions people ask is, “How much does it cost to rent an ice cream truck in Toronto?” The truth is, Toronto ice cream truck prices can vary widely depending on a few key factors. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into the cost of an ice cream truck rental:
Duration of Service
How long will you need the truck at your event? Most rentals have an hourly rate – the longer the ice cream truck stays and serves, the higher the cost.
Number of Guests (Servings)
The size of your event matters. Serving 50 people is very different from serving 500! A children’s party with 30 kids might cost less than a huge corporate event with hundreds of attendees because of the amount of ice cream needed. Ask one of our representatives if your event can be priced by the number of guests or servings or if we can provide a minimum headcount in the base price.
Menu and Treat Options
What you’re serving will impact the price. Standard soft-serve cones or pre-packaged popsicles are generally budget-friendly, while premium or custom items (like sundaes, specialty flavors, non-dairy or vegan ice creams, and elaborate toppings) might come at a higher cost. If you want custom branding on the ice cream cups or a special flavor created for your event, those extras will usually add to the bill as well.
Location and Travel
Where in Toronto (or the GTA) is your event? If it’s outside the city core or in a different part of the Greater Toronto Area, you might incur a travel or fuel surcharge. Our company will serve the broader Toronto area, but if the event is farther away or in a hard-to-reach spot, factor in a possible extra fee for the driver’s time and fuel.
Additional Services
Consider what else you need besides just ice cream. Our ice cream truck catering Toronto services include the basics (the truck, the ice cream, and one or two staff to serve). However, if you need extra staff, extended serving time, special setup (e.g., a tent or table outside the truck), or even on-site generators for power, these could affect the price. The good news is that our trucks are pretty self-sufficient (they come ready to serve), but it’s always wise to ask if there are any additional charges for things like cleanup or special requests.
In general, based on what we’ve seen, you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for an ice cream truck rental in Toronto, depending on these factors. For instance, a small one-hour school event might be on the lower end (a few hundred), whereas a large all-day festival or wedding could be closer to or above the $1000 mark.
Tip: When discussing price, confirm if it’s a flat rate or if there’s a per-person cost after a certain number of servings. Feel free to contact us with any further questions to ensure you have a detailed understanding of our pricing!
Tips for Planning Your Perfect Ice Cream Truck Experience
Bringing an ice cream truck to your event should be fun and fuss-free. Here are some essential tips (from our Toronto event experience) to ensure your ice cream truck rental goes smoothly and delights your guests:
Start your search early
Especially in the busy summer months, our ice cream trucks in Toronto can get booked up pretty quickly. If you have an event in June, July, or August, try to reserve your ice cream truck a few weeks (or even months) in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Inquire about the menu (and quality)
Ask for a menu or list of treats in advance to ensure that we can provide the treats your guests will love! Do you want the classic cones and popsicles your kids love at your event? Are there any dietary restrictions (like dairy-free or nut-free treats)? Knowing this beforehand will help avoid surprises, and we are happy to accommodate certain flavors or options if you request ahead of time.
Confirm the service area and logistics
Toronto and the GTA are big, so double-check if we can serve your event location. Our company can travel around most cities and suburbs, but it’s worth confirming if, say, your event is in Mississauga or Scarborough, that we can come out that way. Also, consider where the truck will park at your venue – you’ll need a spot that’s accessible and safe. (Pro tip: If it’s a public park, ensure you have any necessary permissions for a food truck to be there.)
Get a detailed quote in writing
When you’re ready to book, ask for a breakdown of costs. This should include the rental fee or hourly rate, what it covers (e.g., 100 servings, two hours of service), any travel fees, and taxes. Mr. Iceberg prides itself on transparent pricing, so feel free to contact us, and we will be sure to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Consider your event’s theme or special requests
If your event has a theme (say, a 1950s retro party or a company event with brand colors), mention it to our employees. We have the services to decorate our truck to your liking, play specific music (yes, maybe even that pop song you), or serve a custom-colored treat to match your theme. We are also able to put your company logo on the truck or on the ice cream cups for corporate events. Little touches like that can make your experience feel even more personalized.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delightful and hassle-free ice cream truck experience with Mr. Iceberg. Now, let’s look at the actual booking process so you know what to expect.
How to Book an Ice Cream Truck in Toronto: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to turn your event idea into reality? Booking an ice cream truck is usually a straightforward process. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you book an ice cream truck in Toronto and ensure everything is set for the big day:
Define your event details. First, nail down the basics of your event: the date, time, and location, plus an estimate of how many guests will be attending. We will need to know these details to confirm availability and provide an accurate quote. (If you’re still deciding on a date, you can always reach out to check general availability, but you’ll eventually need a firm date to book.)
Discuss your needs and preferences
When you talk to our representative, whether it’s over the phone or via email, clearly communicate what you’re looking for. For example, let them know if you want a specific type of ice cream (soft serve vs. variety of novelty treats), how long you’d like them to serve, and any special requests (e.g., “It’s a wedding, so could you serve a special sundae for the bride and groom?”). The vendor can guide you on what they can do and maybe suggest ideas, too.
Review the quote and terms
Once we know your needs, we will usually give you a quote or package offer. Take a close look at what’s included. How many servings? How many hours? Any extra fees? If everything looks good, you’ll likely need to sign a contract or agreement to confirm the booking. Read it over – it should outline the services, timing, and payment details. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on anything unclear.
Confirm logistics with us
As your event approaches, double-check the on-site details. Coordinate exactly when and where the truck should arrive. If there’s a specific place you want us to park, let us know ahead of time. Inform us of things like parking permits (if needed) or if we should enter via a certain gate or use a particular driveway. Clear communication here will ensure the truck rolls in smoothly without you having to manage it during the event.
Make payment and secure the booking
Most of our event bookings will require a deposit to hold your date (often paid when you sign the contract) and then the remainder due by the event date or on the day of the event. Make sure you know when and how to pay. Once you’ve paid the deposit, you can usually consider your ice cream truck booked! Keep in touch with us as needed, and inform our business of any changes to your event plans well ahead of time.
That’s it! With these steps done, you can look forward to a wonderful event where the only task left on your plate will be to enjoy a delicious cone (or two) with your guests.
What Type of Truck is Mr. Iceberg in Toronto?
If you’re wondering what kind of ice cream truck Mr. Iceberg is, here’s the scoop! There are a few popular types of ice cream trucks you’ll typically find in Toronto, and Mr. Iceberg offers a combination of them to give you the best of all worlds:
Traditional Ice Cream Truck
This is the classic, nostalgic truck with its familiar jingle and a menu of pre-packaged treats like popsicles, ice cream bars, and ice cream sandwiches. Perfect for bringing that old-school summer vibe to any event.
Soft Serve Truck
Mr. Iceberg also serves soft-serve favorites – vanilla, chocolate, and twist cones – with optional chocolate dips and toppings. Ideal for events where guests want that creamy, fresh-made cone experience.
Combination Treats Truck
Can’t choose between novelty treats and soft serve? You don’t have to! Mr. Iceberg is a combination truck, meaning you can enjoy soft serve and pre-packaged classics, plus extra goodies like slushies or floats. It’s the best way to please a crowd with varied tastes.
Sweetening Toronto’s Neighborhoods – Where to Find Us
At Mr. Iceberg, we’re proud to bring smiles and frozen treats to events all across Toronto. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a school celebration, or a block party, we happily serve neighborhoods throughout the city and beyond. Some of the areas we frequently visit include Forest Hill, Forest Hill North, Fairbank, Cedarvale, Oakwood Village, York, Glen Park, and Englemount-Lawrence.
No matter which part of the city you’re in, our Ice Cream Truck Rental in Toronto is ready to add that special touch of sweetness to your event. From the tree-lined streets of Forest Hill to the vibrant energy of Fairbank and Oakwood Village, we love bringing the joy of ice cream to every corner of the community.
Bringing Sweetness to Your Toronto Celebrations
From our experience at IceCreamTrucks.ca, incorporating an ice cream truck into your Toronto event is a recipe for success. It brings together the nostalgia of the past with the excitement of a modern food truck twist. By considering the different types of trucks, understanding the costs, and planning with the tips we’ve shared, you’re well on your way to creating a truly memorable and delightful occasion. So go ahead – add that nostalgic charm and sweet joy to your Toronto celebration. We promise, your guests will thank you for it!
Nothing beats seeing the smiles when the ice cream truck arrives and knowing you’ve delivered a moment of pure joy at your event. If you’re feeling inspired to add this experience to your upcoming event, our team is here to help make it happen. We at IceCreamTrucks.ca love sweetening Toronto and GTA events, and we’d be thrilled to be a part of your special day.
Ready to roll? Contact us or visit IceCreamTrucks.ca to book your ice cream truck rental in Toronto or to learn more about our packages. Let’s make your next event an unforgettable (and delicious) one!
