Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

The Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can explore the former Carleton County Gaol, which housed inmates for over a century. This guided tour takes guests through original prison features, including Death Row and heavy metal doors. With knowledgeable storytellers at the helm, the experience promises intriguing tales of notorious occupants. For history enthusiasts, this hour-long tour, available in English and French, is a must-visit attraction that’ll leave you eager to uncover more about Ottawa’s fascinating history.

About Your Stay

• The historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel lasts approximately 1 hour and is priced at $17.38 per person.
• The tour explores the former Carleton County Gaol, which has been converted into a hostel 50 years ago and is designated as a heritage structure.
• Visitors can explore the Death Row, where condemned inmates spent their final days, and learn about the building’s rich history from knowledgeable guides.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users, as it involves exploring the original prison features.
• Reservations can be made online through the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel website, and the booking process is simple and straightforward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel lasts approximately 1 hour and is priced from $17.38 per person.

Offered in English and French, the tour accommodates small groups. Guests meet at the Saintlo Ottawa Jail hostel reception, located at 75 Nicholas Street.

The guided tour explores the former Carleton County Gaol, which operated as a prison for over a century before being converted into a hostel 50 years ago.

Visitors can expect to learn about the jail’s history, see its distinctive architectural features, and hear stories about its infamous inmates.

Historical Significance

Formerly Carleton County Gaol, the historic Ottawa Jail Hostel operated as a prison for over 100 years before being converted into a hostel 50 years ago.

The building is designated as a heritage structure due to its historical and architectural significance.

The historic Ottawa Jail Hostel is a designated heritage structure, reflecting its significant history and architectural merits.

Visitors can explore the jail’s original features, including barred windows, heavy metal doors, and the gallows – remnants of its past as a place of punishment and execution.

The unique history and character of this site make it a captivating destination for those interested in uncovering the city’s gritty past.

Key Experiences

Visitors on the historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel can explore the infamous Death Row, where condemned inmates spent their final days.

They’ll hear captivating stories about the jail’s notorious past occupants. Guided by knowledgeable tour guides, guests discover the prison’s original features, including the bars on windows, heavy metal doors, and the imposing gallows.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and take in the building’s rich history.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, those with claustrophobia, or wheelchair users due to the tour’s content and accessibility challenges.

Booking Process

How can visitors book the historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel? The booking process is straightforward:

• Reservations can be made online through the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel website, with no upfront payment required.

• Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, providing flexibility in planning.

• The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for last-minute changes.

• Parking is available behind the building through a stone wall with an archway marking the entrance at 75 Nicholas Street.

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Customer Reviews

Guests find the historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel extremely interesting and informative, according to the overwhelmingly positive reviews. The tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 10 reviews. Visitors praise the guide’s knowledgeable storytelling and the chance to explore the original jail elements. However, some caution that the content may not be suitable for younger children due to its macabre nature. The tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the building’s history and witness its distinctive architectural features.

| Rating | % of Reviews |

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| 5 stars | 80% |

| 4 stars | 20% |

| 3 stars | 0% |

| 2 stars | 0% |

| 1 star | 0% |

Accessibility Considerations

The historic tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel may not be suitable for all visitors.

The tour involves:

• Exploring narrow corridors and small spaces within the former prison

• Encountering original jail elements, such as heavy metal doors and bars on windows

• Hearing stories about the jail’s infamous inmates and its history of incarceration

• Navigating stairs, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10, individuals with claustrophobia, or those with mobility restrictions.

Parental discretion is advised due to the content of some stories shared during the tour.

Notable Features

The Ottawa Jail Hostel, a designated heritage building, retains many of the original jail elements that give visitors a glimpse into its past as a prison.

Visitors can explore the chilling confines of Death Row and see the heavy metal doors, bars on the windows, and even the old gallows – a sobering reminder of the hostel’s dark history.

These distinctive features transport guests back in time, allowing them to imagine the lives of the infamous inmates who once walked these halls.

Exploring the Jail Hostel

What awaits visitors as they step through the archway of the Ottawa Jail Hostel? An immersive glimpse into the jail’s past.

An immersive glimpse into the jail’s past awaits visitors as they step through the archway of the Ottawa Jail Hostel.

Guests will:

• Explore the eerie Death Row, where condemned prisoners spent their final hours.

• Hear captivating stories about infamous inmates who once called this place home.

• Discover original features like barred windows, heavy metal doors, and the chilling gallows.

• Navigate the narrow corridors and cell blocks, experiencing the claustrophobic atmosphere that once permeated the building.

This historic tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Ottawa’s past and uncover the tales that haunt the walls of the former Carleton County Gaol.

Questions About Your Stay

Are Photos Allowed During the Tour?

No, photos are not allowed during the tour. The tour involves guided stairs and the operator’s policy prohibits video and audio recording to preserve the historical integrity of the experience.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. According to the information provided, small group tours are available, and guests can reserve the tour without any upfront payment required.

How Long Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour lasts for 1 hour. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic jail’s key features, hear stories about infamous inmates, and learn about the building’s heritage status as a designated heritage property.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, as well as individuals with claustrophobia or who use wheelchairs. The content of some stories may require parental discretion.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English and French?

The tour is available in English and French only. There are no other language options available for this historic jail tour.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the city’s captivating history. Guided tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the jail’s past and uncover the stories of its notorious occupants. For history enthusiasts, this tour is a must-visit, offering a captivating glimpse into Ottawa’s rich heritage and the intriguing tales that lie within the former Carleton County Gaol.

You can check availability for your dates here: