Plan a unique and memorable trip to the best Ottawa Hostel that'll not only include its sights, attractions, and activities but your overnight sentence in jail as well! The HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel is the only hostel in North America located in a former prison that operated for over 100 years. During your stay in this Victorian-era architectural relic, you'll sleep in former jail cells, the prison hospital, or maybe even the governor's quarters! Visit the Carleton County Gaol Heritage Centre located on the hostel's un-renovated 8th floor to see and learn what life was like for the prison's inmates, and take a tour to hear their stories or find out if the jail really is haunted.

Discover more:
Gaol History | Our Most Famous Inmate | Photographs | Recordings | Articles

In the heart of downtown Ottawa

The HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel is in an ideal location to explore the city's many nearby sights and attractions while on your prison day-pass. It's right across the street from shopping at the Rideau Centre, a mere 7 minute walk from the Byward Market and Parliament Hill, and a hop, skip and a jump away from many of the city's national and local museums, including the Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum.

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About Ottawa | See a Map | Discounts | Activities & Programs

 Inmate Facilities

As an inmate at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel we offer you many choices in accommodations, ranging from traditional dorm beds, to semi-private or private rooms carved out of old jail cells.

Discover the jail's original inmate facilities:
Old Cellblock Floorplan

"The Warden's Quarters" Private Apartment
This apartment is the perfect space for your family to relax and enjoy their hostel sentence, with ample space for Mom, Dad, and the kids. This is keeping right in line with tradition: did you know that in the old days, the warden's family actually lived with him in the jail? The apartment includes: two rooms with double bed in one and separate bunk bed in the other; en-suite bathroom featuring an antique clawfoot tub/shower; kitchenette with fridge and microwave; table and chairs for family meals and activities; and a couch to rest your tired feet.

Additional hostel amenities include:

• Fully equipped kitchen, with refrigerated storage space for hosteller's food items (imagine you're working off your debt as you prepare your meals in jail!)
• TV and games lounge with satellite and a selection of free movies (pay homage to celebrities in the jail's former chapel!])
• Dining room  - formerly the jail's debtor's prison where an entire family was crowded into one cell;
• On-site internet access (including kiosks and WiFi)  - giving you far more access than the average prisoner ever got in their visiting area;
• Laundry  - put yourself on hard labour, and get some chores done;
• Free onward bookings for HI-Canada hostels  - get yourself released from your sentence or transferred to another facility!
• On-site parking  - for your getaway car or bus
• All linen and bedding are complimentary - so are the beds ? our inmates weren't always so lucky
   

You don't have to commit a crime to do time!

Our friendly and experienced guards (i.e. staff) will be happy not only to incarcerate you for the night, but also to help you plan and get the most out of your visit. Behave, and maybe they'll even let you in on some of Ottawa's best-kept secrets (of which we're one!). We hope to see you soon ? and remember:

Comments from Past Inmates

Or those of a former turnkey: Read Thomas Dagg's Blog 

•  "Ottawa's Best Haunted Spot" as voted by viewers of Ottawa's A-Channel, 2006 
• You mostly stay here for the atmosphere but it doesn't hurt that it's right in the centre of town. Blatherwic - Virtualtourist.com 
•  "I absolutely loved my stay in the HI Jail Hostel as did my friend. The staff were all really friendly and willing to help and it had tons of character. I was suprised at just how much like the old jail it still looked - but that's a good thing if you're looking for somewhere a bit different to stay. 
• " I stayed in a twin room with my friend and although the room wasn't huge it was big enough for us. The beds were comfy and the linen all fresh and clean. There was a decent sized kitchen downstairs, which looked to be fully stocked (but we didn't use it) and a large lounge with TV/Video." 
•  "I would highly recommend anyone staying to sign up for the Crime and Punishment Jail tour (discount offered to those staying at the hostel) it was really interesting and definately worth the money." pheonix81 TripAdvisor.com 
•  "The staff were awesome... and of course its ambience... comfortably spooky :-) " Hostelbookers.com 
• "I really enjoyed my stay in Ottawa. The location of the Hostel was very central and close to everything which I found GREAT and appreciated a lot."
• "This was the most unique hostel I have ever stayed in. I really enjoyed my stay."
•  "I believe that the most appropriate precautions were taken in order to preserve the historical value of the building. The staff was great and was able to address any questions posed. Very clean (both building and staff:) The Hostel is very central to all of the attractions of Ottawa, minutes walk to shopping, a few minutes walk to parliament and galleries. Highly recommended, I will return! Don't miss the Jail Tour!! "

Have something to say? Tell us about:
Your Stay | Your Ghost Stories | Last Meal Requests | Should-be Inmates