Welcome to
HI Ottawa Jail
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this hostel is currently unable to accept new reservations
HI Ottawa Jail
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.
- Sleep in a real solitary confinement cell
- Visit death row on a free daily jail tour
- Walk to Parliament & the Byward Market
Open: Year-round
Check-in: from 15:00
Check-out: before 11:00
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Free earplugs]( "Free earplugs")
Free earplugs
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Free earplugs]( "Free earplugs")
Free earplugs
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Free earplugs]( "Free earplugs")
Free earplugs
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Ensuite bathroom]( "Ensuite bathroom")
Ensuite bathroom
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Reading light]( "Reading light")
Reading light
Double Jail Cell
For white collar criminals and hostellers alike, this double jail cell has all the necessary commodities.
-
![Free WiFi]( "Free WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Free earplugs]( "Free earplugs")
Free earplugs
Twin Jail Cell
Private cell with two bunk beds, for friends travelling together or a single inmate looking for more space.
-
![Free WiFi]( "Free WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Free earplugs]( "Free earplugs")
Free earplugs
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 WiFi")
Free WiFi -
![Free Breakfast]( "Free Breakfast")
Free Breakfast -
![Linens]( "Linens")
Linens -
![Reading light]( "Reading light")
Reading light
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related Offers & Discounts
Tap into HI's huge network of discounts the moment you get your membership card. You can keep saving while you travel and long after you get back.
