Ottawa, Insider Only

My Ottawa: He may regret it, but Mark Zekulin lets slip the city’s best place for a swim

May 14, 2024

Editor's Note

My Ottawa is an occasional column where we ask local business personalities about their life in the nation’s capital and what they like most about the city.

In this instalment of My Ottawa, Mark Zekulin takes us on a tour around the city, from the most scenic routes for a drive or bike ride, to local hidden gems for dinner or an ice cream.

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Mark Zekulin has everything he needs in Barrhaven, but he knows plenty of the best kept secrets across the rest of Ottawa as well. The former president and CEO of Canopy Growth, Zekulin is a founding partner of private investment firm The Greater Return and chairman of Invert Inc., an Ottawa-based company that funds projects to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. In this instalment of My Ottawa, Zekulin takes us on a tour around the city, from the most scenic routes for a drive or bike ride, to local hidden gems for dinner or an ice cream.

What area of the city/region do you live in?

Right between Barrhaven and Nepean.

What type of home do you have (condo, house, etc.)?

House.

What type of pet do you have?

The fish largely keep to themselves, but the dog Tasso loves any visitor who comes by.

What type of car do you drive?

Tesla Model Y.

What’s your favourite part of town?

Close to home. You have everything you need right in Barrhaven!

What is your favourite place to eat in Ottawa?

Brown’s in Barrhaven is a family favourite. For a special occasion, Mati is tough to beat. Wait, do ice cream places count? Beachconers is pretty special. Oh, Coconut Lagoon is right up there, too. In a hurry? The Baker!

What is your favourite activity in Ottawa?

That first amazing day of spring when the patios open … soon!

What’s your favourite local charity or cause?

So many incredible charities. Big Brothers Big Sisters Ottawa. Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO). Any of the amazing food banks in our community.

What’s your favourite festival?

How could you not love PoutineFest?

If you were to play tour guide for a first-time visitor to Ottawa for a day, where would you take them?

Well, starting in the east a drive along the Ottawa River beside Rockcliffe is unexpectedly beautiful, driving past the embassies and Global Affairs before stopping for breakfast in the Market. If it’s a nice day, a quick dip in the Pond before it gets busy is a fun experience. Obviously, a tour of U of O to show my visitors where I went to law school, before taking in Parliament (we can pretend it’s not under construction, yes?), then a wander through Westboro and that little community garden beside The Keg. A stop to see some surfing at Remic Rapids, because who would believe there is surfing in Ottawa? Then a stroll and some lunch in one of Preston/Chinatown/Westboro, depending on what my guests are feeling like. The afternoon sees us rent some bikes and bike along the paths near Britannia Beach, with an obvious stop for ice cream at Beachconers. Finally, a quick drive down to Manotick for an historic tour and great dinner.

What’s your favourite retailer in Ottawa?

Hopefully meat counts: Pete & Gus is a great local butcher!

What’s your favourite live music or entertainment venue?

Well, if we are counting “the Greater Ottawa area” then it must be Neat Café in Burnstown. Or anywhere local legend Craig Cardiff is playing.

What type of music do you listen to?

Whatever my kids force me to listen to, with some Pearl Jam or old school ‘90s hip hop mixed in if possible.

Where do you get your hair cut?

Fika Beauty in Kanata.

What Ottawa personality, past or present, do you admire?

Alfie! But Terry Matthews has done a bit around town, too.

What’s your favourite business event or conference in Ottawa?

Anything the Capital Angel Network is doing. It is always inspirational to see new start-up businesses at the exciting launch stage and the incredible community of Ottawa investors looking to support them along the way.

What local business or attraction do you think is one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets?

Does everyone know about the pies at The Baker? Or the Jamaican patties at The Piggy Market? If I just moved to Ottawa, I would want to know about those for sure. Also swimming at the Pond is a pretty well-kept secret – so much so that I feel like I shouldn’t even be talking about it right now.