For Marc-Antoine Marcoux, known as Markku, the path from Quebec to Helsinki wasn’t straightforward, but something that the heart wanted – in many ways. Originally from Canada, he first found himself in Rovaniemi after finding out that his original plan didn’t pan out.

It took a few years, a brief moment back home in Quebec, a now ex-partner, and a leap of faith, for Markku to find himself moving to Helsinki.

“I came to visit Helsinki for a couple of days with my ex, and I just fell in love with it straight away. It was the middle of summer, and everything was just..alive. Pretty soon I realised I had no intention of leaving”, Markku begins. 

So when life offered him the chance, he took it. Within hours of being in the city, Markku had already made friends. For him, those first encounters set the stage for everything that followed.

It’s been a Hel (of a ) ride. 

Skateboarding had always been Markku’s gateway into any community, and Helsinki was no exception. The sense of belonging found through skateboarding set the foundation for life in the city. Markku decided to put up the Koff Race, an annual race that’s become one of the most anticipated skate events in Helsinki.

“I’d been organising skate races back home in Quebec for years,” he explains.

But for it to work in Helsinki, the format needed to change. He wanted something that more people could easily jump into, no matter their skill level. 

“One day, I was just hanging out in Sinebrychoff Park, and thought why not try something here? I texted a few friends, things got going, and the first Koff Race was organised. There were about 30 of us, skating like crazy and just having fun.” 

Though modest, there’s a spark in his voice when he talks about Koff Race’s growth. Over the years, the event has grown to attract skaters from all around the world. Markku attributes much of its success to Helsinki’s community vibe. 

“There’s something about the skate scene here – people just want to help each other out. We’ve got skaters from all backgrounds, but they come together like family. For one day, we take over the park, and you just feel this amazing energy.” 

From anthropologist to sommelier

Interestingly, Markku didn’t plan on a career in the restaurant industry, let alone being an entrepreneur in the field.  

“I studied anthropology, but to pay for my studies, I worked in restaurants. I never thought I’d end up making a living out of it,” he says. 

He quickly got a job at restaurant Spis, known for its focus on natural wines. Working there unlocked something.

“That’s when it clicked,” he explains. “Spis was one of the first places in Helsinki to offer natural wines, and I loved the philosophy behind it.” 

Markku’s approach to wine has always been a bit unconventional. For him, wine is less about exclusivity and more about accessibility, just like skateboarding. That’s also the philosophy behind Maukku, a new restaurant in Helsinki’s trendy Kallio neighbourhood where Markku is one of the restaurateurs.

“There’s this misconception that wine has to be fancy, but I feel like it should be for everyone, wherever they want to enjoy it. It’s about breaking down those barriers. I wanted to bring wine to the streets, make it as natural as the lifestyle here in Helsinki” he explains.

Just like skateboarding, Markku sees natural wine as a way to bring people together.  

For the love of it 

When asked what makes Helsinki feel like home, Markku points out the openness. He sees Helsinki as the perfect city for subcultures to flourish.

“It’s the sense of community here. People support each other, and there’s space for new things to grow. If Helsinki people see that you’re doing something because you love it, they’ll support you whatever you do. That’s not something you find everywhere.”

Markku pauses, reflecting on genuine curiosity he finds here — people have a real hunger for new experiences.

In a city where people recognize authenticity, he’s found that the support isn’t just polite encouragement. 

“It’s f*cking real here,” Markku finishes.
Ready to explore the city through Markku’s lens? Discover Top skate spots in Helsinki or visit the best natural wine bars and restaurants in Helsinki.