From entrepreneurs and CEOs to chefs and radio personalities, some of Ottawa’s most influential people have been featured in OBJ’s “My Ottawa” series, giving an inside look at how they spend their time; and if anyone knows the best way to spend a weekend in the city, it’s them.
To help you navigate all that Ottawa has to offer, check out what your peers and leaders have to say in this quick look at some of their best and brightest recommendations, from swimming and cycling spots to hand-picked eateries.
Check out all of the columns here.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
Last month Ottawa Salus launched “Opening Doors to Dignity,” a $5 million campaign to construct a 54-unit independent living building on Capilano Drive. Set to open in late 2025, this
Restaurants
Stephen Beckta, owner of Gezellig, Beckta Dining & Wine, and Play Food & Wine, says it’s hard to choose just a few, but among his top picks are:
Town
North & Navy
Fraser Cafe
Bar Lupulus
Stofa
Serial entrepreneur and mentor Karla Briones says she prefers hole-in-the-wall spots like:
The Sarangi Cuisine of India
Sushi Zone
Ramen Stop
Pita Bell Kabab Charcoal Grill
For a good milkshake or a family outing, David Gourlay, CEO of The Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, recommends Zak’s Diner: “Once Barbie strawberry milkshakes were introduced, we became regulars. If a Taylor Swift milkshake is made, we will have to move in.”
Erin Benjamin, president and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, knows a thing or two about how to have fun. But first: food! Her top picks:
The Elmdale Tavern
Supply and Demand
Cantina Gia
Al’s Steakhouse
The Third
For “Stuntman Stu” Schwartz, the Golden Palace is the place to be: “best egg rolls in the world.”
Things to do
Once you’ve had your fill at one (or several) of the recommended eateries, check out some of the activities the My Ottawa participants swear by.
As vice-president of destination development with Ottawa Tourism, Catherine Callary is a treasure trove of information when it comes to some of the capital’s most exciting activities, hot spots and best-kept secrets.
She loves a good day trip to local places like Manotick, Carp, Merrickville or Almonte for some shopping, workshops like Makatew in Carp and activities like the Manotick Mill.
Award-winning photographer and Ottawa native Michelle Valberg advocates for exploring Ottawa’s trails and green spaces to take photos and spend some time in nature, or stopping by the Canadian Museum of Nature, which she says is one of her favourite spots in the city.
Gatineau Park is a top pick for Mark Laroche, president and CEO of the Ottawa International Airport Authority, who loves to grab a bike and say “let’s roll!”
For Stéphane Brutus, dean of the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club brings in a “real unique vibe” worth checking out, with 18 clay courts, a beach volleyball crowd, a pool and restaurant.
Catherine Clark says when it comes to living in Ottawa, “you don’t have to choose a favourite activity because there are so many options.” But on her list is hiking in Calabogie or at the Carp Barrens and visiting local museums with her kids.
Playing tour guide?
Many My Ottawa participants love Ottawa so much, they want to share it with loved ones. Check out these packed itineraries for playing tour guide – or doing your own staycation.
Mark Zekulin, former president and CEO of Canopy Growth and founding partner of the Greater Return, has a busy day planned for his guests.
He recommends a drive along the Ottawa River, a swim in the Pond, and a tour of the University of Ottawa and Parliament, followed by a wander through Westboro, more sightseeing at Remic Rapids and strolling through Preston and Chinatown before stopping in at Britannia Beach for ice cream at Beachconers.
Proveras Commercial Realty partner Shawn Hamilton’s staycation includes a stay at either the Westin or Chateau Laurier, spending the day at the Nordik Spa, dinner at Riviera and an event at the National Arts Centre.
Shirley Westeinde, president of Westeinde Properties, says every day in Ottawa feels like a staycation between the NAC, the Market, the Shaw Centre and the various museums and art galleries that she loves to frequent. The Zibi site, with its view of the Chaudiere Falls, bike trails, zipline and Indigenous gardens, is another favourite of hers.
