Hostelling International (HI) Ottawa Jail

Top choice in Ottawa


This quirky hostel occupies nine floors of the 155-year-old former Ottawa Jail, considered to be one of the city's most haunted buildings. Guests can lock themselves away in a room or dorm in an actual cell, or opt for a more conventional four- to eight-bed dorm or en suite room. Rates include a continental breakfast.

Check out the on-site gallows, where numerous criminals were hanged for their wretched crimes, in the 8th-floor 'death row' museum. The bar behind bars and free daily tours of the atmospheric building add to guests' experience of a night in the nick.

HI members pay 10% less. Parking is $12 per night.


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