Hotel in ON K1N 7B9, Unknown, Unknown
Ottawa Jail Hostel
Unique accommodation in the historic Carleton County Gaol, a jail built in 1862. Sleep in actual prison cells (now comfortable dorms or private rooms). Haunted tours offered seasonally.
Ottawa Jail Hostel is one of Canada's most distinctive budget accommodation options, situated at 75 Nicholas Street in Lowertown Ottawa, Ontario. The building is the historic Carleton County Gaol, a limestone jail constructed in 1862 that operated as an active correctional facility until 1972. Now operated as part of the Hostelling International Canada network, the building has been adapted into a hostel while preserving the original cell structure, iron doors, exercise courtyard, and architectural features that communicate its sober history.
Guests sleep in rooms that were once actual prison cells — stone-walled, compact spaces converted into functional dormitory and private accommodation. The experience of staying in a genuine nineteenth-century jail on the grounds where hangings took place draws travellers who want an unusual and memorable story attached to their Ottawa visit. The hostel's ghostly reputation is well established; seasonal haunted tours explore the darker chapters of the building's history, and the site has been featured in Canadian supernatural programming.
The location in Lowertown places the hostel within easy reach of Ottawa's primary attractions. The Byward Market — the city's oldest outdoor market and a hub of restaurants, bars, and fresh produce — is a short walk north. The Rideau Centre shopping mall and Rideau LRT station are nearby. Parliament Hill is approximately a fifteen-minute walk west, and the National Gallery of Canada is within comfortable walking distance.
Shared kitchen facilities, a common room, a courtyard, and free Wi-Fi are available for guests. At approximately CAD 38 per night for a dorm bed, the hostel is among the most affordable options in Ottawa. HI card holders receive a further discount. The combination of central location, genuine historical character, and budget pricing makes Ottawa Jail Hostel one of the most-discussed lodging options in Ontario's capital city.
Amenities
- Shared kitchen
- Common room
- Lockers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Ghost tours
- Courtyard
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
75 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
45.4291, -75.6873 — View on map
Highlights
- Sleep in original 1862 prison cells in Canada's most storied historic hostel
- Walking distance to the Byward Market, Parliament Hill, and the National Gallery of Canada
- Seasonal haunted tours exploring the gaol's history including the historic hanging gallows
- Dorm beds from approximately CAD 38 per night in a National Historic Site
Tips
- Book the haunted tour in advance during October when demand peaks for Halloween-season programming
- Cell rooms are compact and stone-walled; pack light and use the provided lockers for luggage management
- The Byward Market is a five-minute walk north and is at its best on weekend mornings for local produce and breakfast
- The LRT Rideau station is nearby — the O-Train Confederation Line provides fast connections across central Ottawa without needing a car
FAQ
Is it really possible to sleep in the original prison cells?
Yes. Many of the dormitory and private rooms at Ottawa Jail Hostel are converted original cells, complete with historic stone walls and iron door frames. The interiors have been fitted with comfortable beds, linens, and power outlets.
What is the history of the Ottawa Jail Hostel building?
The building is the Carleton County Gaol, constructed in 1862 and used as an active jail for 110 years until 1972. The last public hanging in Canada took place on these grounds in 1869. It is a Canadian National Historic Site.
Are the ghost tours at Ottawa Jail Hostel open to non-guests?
Yes. The haunted tours are generally available to the public and not restricted to hostel guests, though availability and scheduling vary by season. Advance booking is recommended during the autumn season.
How far is the hostel from Parliament Hill?
Parliament Hill is approximately 1.5 kilometres west of the hostel, a walk of around fifteen to twenty minutes through the downtown core.
Accessibility
Ottawa Jail Hostel is a heritage building from 1862 with original stone construction and compact cell-based room layouts. Accessibility for guests with mobility limitations is significantly constrained by the building's historic structure. Visitors with specific mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly, as accessible options are very limited.