Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

Ottawa: Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel — A Unique Look into the Past

If you’re planning a trip to Ottawa and love stories that mix history with a touch of the macabre, the Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a compelling afternoon adventure. This guided tour takes you inside a building that’s seen over a century of stories, from its days as a grim prison to its current role as a lively hostel in downtown Ottawa.

What really draws people in are its original features — heavy metal doors, prison bars, and the gallows — and the chance to hear about some of the notorious inmates who once called this place home. Plus, at just $18 a person for a one-hour tour, it’s a surprisingly affordable experience.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves stairs and a fair bit of storytelling about grim history, so it’s not ideal if you’re squeamish or have mobility concerns. But if you’re interested in a thought-provoking, fun history lesson with a dash of the spooky, this tour might be just right for you.

This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy history, architecture, and stories of the past—and it’s a hit for small groups and curious travelers looking for a memorable, meaningful glimpse into Ottawa’s past.

Key Points

• Affordable and brief: At only $18 for a one-hour tour, it offers a budget-friendly way to learn about Ottawa’s heritage.
• Engaging guides: Visitors consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling abilities.
• Authentic features: The original bars, heavy doors, and gallows provide a real sense of the jail’s history.
• Well-located: Situated downtown, it’s easy to combine with visits to Parliament Hill or the Rideau Canal.
• Respectful preservation: The jail has been turned into a hostel that maintains its historical integrity.
• Limited accessibility: Stairs and confined spaces make it less suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ottawa Jail Hostel Tour

Exploring a Building Full of Stories

The Ottawa Jail Hostel is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a building packed with stories of the past. For over 100 years, it served as a functioning jail, holding some of the city’s most notorious inmates. For the past 50 years, its walls have been repurposed into a hostel, blending history with hospitality.

When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide at the hostel’s reception. From there, the hour-long tour begins, offering a window into what prison life was like in Ottawa. The guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and ability to weave stories that both entertain and inform. As one reviewer put it, their guide was “fantastic,” answering all questions and making the experience engaging.

What You’ll See and Hear

The tour covers original features that give the jail its eerie atmosphere. You’ll see the heavy metal doors, the bars on the windows, and even the gallows — a stark reminder of the history of capital punishment. These elements are preserved just as they were, making it a tangible connection to the past.

Stories about some of the notorious inmates who were held in this jail are shared, adding a layer of intrigue. The guide discusses the grim architecture designed to make life miserable for prisoners, revealing the intentional design choices made to enforce suffering rather than comfort.

Why It’s a Great Value

Considering the price — just $18 per person — this tour is a steal. For an hour, you get a guided, educational experience with knowledgeable hosts in a historically significant setting. Several reviews highlight the good value, with visitors noting that the detailed stories and well-preserved features make it worth every penny.

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The Experience Itself

The tour involves walking through the jail, and you’ll encounter stairs along the route, which is worth noting for those with mobility concerns. The confined spaces and the dark, historical atmosphere can be intense, especially for younger visitors or those sensitive to such environments.

Many reviews mention that the tour can feel a little rushed or crowded, especially during peak times, but smaller groups are available. A common praise is the friendly, accommodating guides who make the experience both fun and informative.

What to Expect from the Guides

Guides like Ariel and Simon have garnered praise for their depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. They bring the history to life, making it easier to picture the jail’s past inhabitants and their stories. As one reviewer put it, Ariel provided a “fantastic, informative, detailed” tour, weaving history with vivid descriptions.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about an hour and is usually available in the afternoon or evening. Though the tour is in English and French, the guide’s ability to communicate clearly makes it accessible to most visitors. Be aware that video and audio recording are not permitted, preserving the experience for everyone.

The meeting point is straightforward — at the reception of the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, which is conveniently located close to many of Ottawa’s main attractions. No transportation is included, so plan accordingly if you’re coming from outside the city center.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour appeals most to history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers who enjoy a good story about the past. It’s also ideal for those interested in the darker side of history, as it provides a thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of prisoners and the design of early 20th-century incarceration.

While not suited for very young children or those with mobility issues, it’s a great pick for adults or older teens who are comfortable with the subject matter and stairs. Families with older children might find it a fascinating, educational experience.

Final Thoughts

The Ottawa Jail Hostel tour offers an engaging, authentic look into the city’s past and the grim realities of prison life. For only $18, you’re getting a well-structured, enlightening experience that combines history, architecture, and storytelling in a way that’s both educational and haunting.

Because of its location, it’s easy to include in a day of sightseeing around downtown Ottawa. The knowledgeable guides and preserved features make this a memorable stop, especially for those who appreciate stories that are a little dark but always fascinating.

If you’re after an experience that’s rich in history and offers a hint of the eerie, this tour deserves a spot on your Ottawa itinerary. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, brace for some stairs, and keep an open mind for some chilling tales from the past.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 due to the content and the stairs involved. Older kids interested in history may find it intriguing, but parental discretion is advised.

How long is the tour?
It lasts roughly 1 hour, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Are the tours available in multiple languages?
Yes, tours are offered in both English and French, catering to a broader audience.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a guided tour of the old jail, with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories and pointing out original features.

Can I record the tour?
Video and audio recording are not allowed during the tour to maintain its integrity.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point at the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel.

If you’re looking for an unconventional, immersive slice of Ottawa’s history, this tour is a solid choice. It combines storytelling, history, and a bit of the creepy factor, all wrapped up in an affordable package that’s perfect for curious minds and history lovers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: