HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel

The HI - Ottawa Jail Hostel is located downtown and offers an unmatched experience. Formerly the Carleton County Gaol (pronounced Jail), we have been rated an unusual place to stay by the National Post and the most haunted building in Ottawa by locals. We also have award winning activity programs.

Plan a unique and memorable trip to Ottawa 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! Take a tour to learn what life was like for the prison’s inmates or find out if the jail really is haunted.

Location, Location, Location:
Located in the heart of downtown, 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.

Inmate Facilities:
Additional hostel amenities include:
Fully equipped kitchen, with refrigerated storage space for hosteller’s food items
TV and games lounge with satellite and a selection of free movies
Dining room
On-site internet access (including kiosks and WI-FI)
Laundry
On-site parking
All linen and bedding are complimentary

We hope to see you soon – and remember: you don’t have to commit a crime to do time!

Hostelling International is a Membership organization. Your HI membership gets you tons of great discounts and a cheaper rate at HI hostels world-wide. Rates quoted are member rate; non-members will be charged an additional $5 per person per night.

Taxes not included.

Photo identification required upon check in. Due to hygienic reasons, sleeping bags are not permitted in our hostels.

The Front Desk is closed between 2am and 7am

Location Information

You can visit Parliment Hill, National Gallery of Canada, all embassies, The Rideau Centre, the Byward Market tourist area, National Museum of Nature, Museum of Civilization, the Rideau Canal the National Arts Centre, Ottawa University, Voyageur (Greyhound) bus station, National War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilzation, the Canadian Postal Museum, the Canadian Children's Museum all located within walking distance of the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel.