We promise that a group stay at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel will be anything but confining!

Nothing is more memorable then a night spent in jail. The HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel once housed some of the city's toughest residents, but is now a cheerful home for visitors to the nation's capital from around the world. Sleep with history right under your pillow, as the building has retained most of its prison layout and the rooms are former jail cells. Take a guided tour and find out what early prison life was like and which prisoners from the past might still be roaming the halls. We can't wait to see you behind bars.

Facilities

• Shared and private rooms (traditional and cell-like)
• Shared bathrooms and showers (gender separated)
• Bed linens, pillows and blankets provided to all guests
• 24-hour access to common areas: TV lounge and fully equipped self-catering kitchen
• Free WIFI access and computer terminals
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff
• High quality standards in line with Hostelling International's assured standards
• Respect of the integrity of this historical landmark and unique jail experience!

Educational Programs

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, you will find that all of Ottawa's top attractions can be reached on foot within minutes from our front door. That said, the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel is an attraction in it's own right and we have developed educational and fun programs to help your group have the ultimate 'Jail Experience'! Programs offered range from 1 to 6 hours in length and include our award winning historical Crime and Punishment & Ghost and Gallows Tours.

Formerly, the Old Carleton County Gaol was home to some of Ottawa's worst criminals. Today, the history of this building and her former occupants is preserved in the Carleton County Heritage Centre located on Level 8 of the hostel.

Visit Death Row, where prisoners spent their last days, the gallows, and the depths of solitary confinement in the basement of the hostel.

Crime and Punishment Jail Tour (min. 20 people)

Tour the Old Carleton County Jail and learn about why Ottawa was once considered 'the most dangerous town in North America. Learn about early prison life, as you see the jail cells, death row and the last working gallows in Canada. Commentary presented by experienced tour guides from The Haunted Walk of Ottawa.

Ghosts and the Gallows Walking Tour (min. 20 people)
Visit death row and the gallows inside the Old Carleton County Jail and other haunted locations while your tour guide recounts more of Ottawa's supernatural encounters. Was the wrong man hanged for the murder of D'Arcy McGee? Does he haunt the jail today? May be frightening for young children. Presented by the Haunted Walk of Ottawa.

Contact us today to make your group reservation: rcharbonneau@hihostels.ca or 1-514-843-3317 #23 (Toll free: 1-866-514-843-3317 #23).