Where is the hostel located?
You can't find a better base of operations for springing your group out of jail to explore the city. We are in the center of downtown and within walking distance of most major attractions. In minutes you can be at Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, the Rideau Canal or the National Art Gallery. Going to the Canadian Museum of Civilization or the War Museum? You can walk there too! There is easy access to Ottawa's public transport and we are mere minutes from the 417 highway.

Is there a curfew or a lockout?
No. Once you've been processed (checked-in) to the hostel you can come and go as you please. You are our guest and we want you to feel at home 24 hours a day; you won't be locked out of your rooms and the communal areas are never closed.

Will we sleep in cells?
As a former prison many of our rooms are carved out of renovated jail cells ? and though once upon a time inmates at the Carleton County Gaol were confined to these cells, you'll be able to let yourselves out! Each cell can sleep up to 6 people in simple bunk bed style accommodation and the barred cell doors have had privacy panels added to them. If you're not ready to be a prisoner, we have a small number of "traditional" rooms (i.e. not cells) that previously served as prison employee quarters and offices.

Can we separate the boys from the girls?
We can arrange for the males and the females of your group of offenders to be assigned to separate "cell blocks" when the space is available. We do require a minimum of 1 chaperone sleeping on the same level for each group of 15 people under the age of 18 years.

Do we share bathrooms?
You will share bathrooms and showers, but you won't share with the opposite sex. The showers are all in private cubicles and there is ample changing space.

What should we bring with us?
You'll need to bring your own toiletries and towels and anything else that you usually travel with - that special teddy bear maybe?

Where can we keep our valuables?
All the rooms/cells lock so you can keep your belongings right in the room. If you would like added security, we do have coin lockers throughout the building.

There is catering available, but can we cook our own meals?
Our self-catering kitchen is open for all our inmates 24 hours a day. It's fully equipped with all the regular kitchen things, so all you really need to bring is the food. There is a walk-in fridge, eight stove elements, an oven, a microwave, two sinks, and lots of counter space. There's room for everyone to lend a hand! And of course there is also cutlery, dishes, pots and pans.

We want a tour. Which one is best for us?
There are two different tours that explore the Jail. The Crime & Punishment Jail Tour is a 60-minute historical tour that focuses on early prison life, death row and the gallows. The Ghosts & the Gallows is a walking tour that includes a visit to the Jail. It includes a mix of historical facts and spooky ghost stories and also runs 60 minutes. Both tours are presented by the experienced guides of the Haunted Walk of Ottawa.

Are there really ghosts at the Jail?
This you'll have to find out for yourself!

For more answers or to make a reservation contact us at ottawa.groups@hihostels.ca