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HI Ottawa Jail

Name: Hostelling International Canada
Address: Canada
Telephone: 604.684.7101

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HI Ottawa Jail

1.866.299.1478

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75 Nicholas Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7B9

Ever spent a night in jail? This hostel is inside a 150-year-old former jail, and some say it's haunted. Hunker down among stone walls and iron doors, or even sleep in your own solitary confinement cell. You're free to leave when you want, and the Parliament Buildings, Byward Market and National Gallery of Canada are all within walking distance.

Highlights

Sleep in a real solitary confinement cell
Visit death row on a free daily jail tour
Walk to Parliament & the Byward Market

Reservations & Other Inquiries

1.866.299.1478
1.613.235.2595

ottawa.jail@hihostels.ca

Useful Info

Open: Year-round
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: before 11:00

Amenities

Free wifi
Free breakfast
Bike rental
Kitchen
Parking nearby

All Amenities & Facilities

A glimpse of the hostel

Rooms & Beds

Shared Rooms

8-Bed Room

These large and spacious rooms are great for people on a budget wanting a little more space and quietness. Some of them have sinks.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Free earplugs

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6-Bed Room

Save, make new friends and get that unique jail experience by staying in this room which sleeps six in bunk beds.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Free earplugs

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4-Bed Room

These large and spacious rooms are great for people on a budget wanting a little more space and quietness. Some of them have sinks.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Free earplugs

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Private Rooms

Deluxe Double Room

These comfortable rooms can sleep up to two in a double bed and include en-suite or kitchenette facilities.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Ensuite bathroom

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Historic Double Cell

The Historic Double Cells are located in the former solitary confinement area of the Jail and definitely have a story to tell.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Reading light

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Double Jail Cell

For white collar criminals and hostellers alike, this double jail cell has all the necessary commodities.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Free earplugs

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Twin Jail Cell

Private cell with two bunk beds, for friends travelling together or a single inmate looking for more space.

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Free earplugs

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Authentic Jail Cell

Small cell (3' x 9') with one single bed that recreates the conditions faced by inmates. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Free WiFi
Free Breakfast
Linens
Reading light

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Coming with a group?

HI Ottawa Jail welcomes groups of all sizes to spend the night in jail in a variety of room options and configurations. Make use of the hostel's kitchen and communal spaces or let us help organize educational jail and ghost tours for your group.

Groups Information

A beautiful hostel, clean and well organized. A visit to the prison is offered every day at 11am (in English) to discover the secrets, habits and legends associated with this beautiful place. As it is located in the heart of the city center, you can benefit from all it's advantages!

434clemencec, Trip Advisor

The Ottawa Jail Hostel is equal parts gimmicky and great, as you're staying in a legit piece of history that also happens to be a modern and well-equipped hostel. Tours of the jail are offered by the management team, and you won't be far from checking out everything else Ottawa has to offer thanks to the hostel's downtown location.

Michael D'Alimonte, MTL Blog

It's an incredibly welcoming place and met some wonderful people here. Facilities are great, breakfast is ace and it's easy to get around Ottawa from this hostel.

Steve, United Kingdom

It's an incredibly welcoming place and met some wonderful people here. Facilities are great, breakfast is ace and it's easy to get around Ottawa from this hostel.

Steve, United Kingdom

HI Ottawa Jail

75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa
Ontario, K1N 7B9

Get Directions 1.866.299.1478 Send an Email

More Information Check Availability

What's going on at the hostel?

TUESDAY & SATURDAY

Ice skate on the Rideau Canal

Skate along the beautiful canal while learning about the history of his famous waterway. Stop at the south end of the canal for a pint and warm up before skating back to the hostel.

THURSDAY

Museum Tour

Culture and history buffs, join us to discover one of Ottawa's national museums.

EVERYDAY

Jail Tour

At 11 am every day, learn about the jail's captivating (and slightly creepy) history.

FRIDAY

Pub Crawl

Every Friday, we take you to our favorite local pubs for a pint (or two).

TUESDAY & SATURDAY

City Walk

See the sights of Ottawa as we wander down Sparks Street, through Parliament Hill, along the Ottawa River and through the beautiful Byward Market.

SUNDAY

Games Night

Join us for an evening of board games with fellow travellers every Sunday at the hostel.

Share your thoughts on our jail tour

In partnership with University of Ottawa's criminology department, we're conducting a survey to improve our historical jail tour. If you've joined the tour during a stay at the hostel, we'd love if could share your thoughts.

Complete Survey