Ottawa : Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel

If you’re heading to Ottawa and want to step into the city’s gritty past, the Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail Hostel offers a compelling glimpse into a place where law and misery once mingled closely. This 1-hour guided experience, offered by Saintlo Ottawa Jail, invites visitors to walk through a building that’s been a jail for more than a century and now serves as a unique youth hostel. It’s a chance to see a different side of Ottawa—one that’s steeped in stories of justice, punishment, and a few notorious characters.

What we love about this tour is its affordable price point of just $18, making it accessible for most travelers interested in history and architecture. Plus, the guides are praised for their knowledgeability and engaging storytelling, which turn what could be a straightforward walk into a memorable journey. The chance to explore original features of the jail, like the heavy metal doors and the gallows, adds a real sense of authenticity. The only snag might be that the tour involves stairs, so those with mobility issues should consider that.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or groups of friends looking for something a little different in Ottawa. It’s educational yet fun, with enough chilling tales to satisfy anyone with a curiosity for darker stories. If you’re after a tour with good value, authentic insights, and a sprinkling of the macabre, this could very well become a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Affordable and concise: Only $18 for an hour-long guided tour that packs in history and architecture.
• Authentic features: See original jail elements like metal doors, bars, and the gallows.
• Engaging guides: Visitors consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills.
• Not suitable for everyone: Involves stairs and intense stories, so parents should use discretion.
• Heritage value: The building is a protected historic site, blending architecture with storytelling.
• Location: Centrally located, close to major attractions like Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins at the reception of the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, the journey into Ottawa’s darker history begins. You’ll learn that this building was a functioning prison for over 100 years, before being transformed into a hostel about five decades ago. While now a youth accommodation, the original jail features remain intact, offering visitors a peek into prison architecture designed to be as oppressive as possible—something many reviews find particularly striking.

One of the highlights is the chance to step into “Death Row” and see the gallows. It’s a stark reminder of the harsh justice system of the past and creates a powerful visual for those interested in criminal history. Several reviewers mention that the guides do a compelling job of recounting stories of inmates, including some who gained infamy. As Ariel’s review noted, her guide brought the history to life, weaving tales of debtors’ prisons and the grim design of the building meant to cause suffering.

Throughout the tour, you’ll see the original features—the heavy metal doors, the tiny cells, and bars on the windows—providing an honest, unvarnished look at what prison life was like. The stories shared are both chilling and fascinating, with some guests remarking how the architecture itself was crafted to be as miserable as possible—a fact that adds depth to the experience.

The tour’s length—just about an hour—makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Since it’s located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, you can easily walk here after visiting Parliament Hill or the National Gallery of Canada. The proximity to other attractions means this experience can fit seamlessly into your itinerary, especially if you’re interested in local history or enjoy exploring offbeat sites.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee includes a guide and access to the jail. However, transportation isn’t included, so plan to walk or use public transit to reach the hostel. The guided tour involves stairs, so those with mobility challenges should consider this. You’re also prohibited from recording videos or audio during the tour, helping preserve the integrity of the experience.

Group Size and Language

The tour is available in English and French, catering to a broad audience. Small groups are often offered, which enhances the intimacy and allows for more questions and interaction. Several reviews mention that the smaller group size helps avoid feeling rushed and allows more time to appreciate the details and take photos.

What Travelers Say

With a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars from 59 reviews, visitors consistently praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Many mention how the stories are well-researched and engaging, making the history come alive. For example, Sean from the UK appreciated Brooklyn’s “fantastic” knowledge, while Errol from Canada highlighted Ariel’s detailed storytelling and her ability to weave broader historical context, such as the decline of debtor prisons.

Others comment on the value for money, noting that the experience is worth every penny for the insights offered. A few mention that the tour can feel a little rushed at times, especially with larger groups, but the availability of small groups helps mitigate this.

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Practical Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs—they are part of the experience.
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early at the hostel reception to meet your guide.
• Keep your camera or phone ready if permitted, to capture the historic features.
• Parental discretion is recommended due to some intense stories, and children under 10 are not advised to participate.
• The tour is typically scheduled in the afternoon or evening, so check availability and book in advance.
• Consider pairing this tour with other downtown attractions, as it’s very centrally located.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

For those who love authentic, well-told stories about history and architecture, this tour offers great value. It’s particularly appealing for history buffs, ghost story fans, or anyone curious about Ottawa’s past. The guides’ ability to combine factual information with engaging storytelling makes it stand out from more generic city tours.

The original features of the jail and the stories of notorious inmates create a visceral feeling that’s hard to match with textbooks or online articles. The fact that the building now functions as a hostel adds a quirky twist—sleeping where prisoners once did is an intriguing thought for many travelers.

This experience is not just educational; it’s also a bit eerie and fun, perfect for those with a taste for the macabre. Its affordability and central location make it a great option to include in a packed day of sightseeing, especially if you’re seeking something memorable and slightly unconventional.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy history or ghost stories. It’s ideal for families with older children, given the intense stories and stairs involved, but not for very young kids or those with mobility issues. If you’re looking for a quick, engaging, and authentic glimpse into Ottawa’s past, this tour delivers.

People interested in architecture and heritage will appreciate the heritage designation and the preservation of original features. It’s also a wonderful choice for groups or couples who want a shared experience with plenty to discuss afterward.

The Sum Up

The Ottawa Jail Hostel Historic Tour offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and storytelling, all wrapped into an affordable package. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of how justice was served (or often brutalized) in Ottawa’s past, coupled with a sense of the building’s architectural significance. The guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge, making the tour both informative and entertaining.

While not suitable for everyone—those with mobility issues or very young children might want to consider other options—the majority of visitors find this experience well worth their time. Its prime downtown location makes it easy to incorporate into a sightseeing day, and the authentic features ensure you’ll see a part of Ottawa that’s often hidden behind more polished monuments.

If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and reasonably priced tour that offers a window into the city’s darker side, the Ottawa Jail Hostel tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s a memorable way to connect with the city’s history—and maybe even spark a few ghostly tales for the road.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, mainly due to the intense stories and the stairs involved.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.

What languages are available?
Tours are offered in English and French, catering to a broad audience.

Are there small group options?
Yes, small group tours are available, which tend to be less rushed and more interactive.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. You will meet at the hostel reception and walk to the various parts of the jail.

Can I record videos or audio during the tour?
Recording of videos and audio is not allowed, helping to preserve the experience and respect privacy.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended because of the stairs and uneven surfaces inside the jail.

Is the building still functioning as a hostel?
Yes, the historic jail has been converted into a youth hostel, blending historic architecture with modern use.

This detailed look at the Ottawa Jail Hostel tour aims to help you decide if stepping into a former prison—and hearing its stories—is right for your Ottawa visit. Whether as a standalone experience or part of a broader sightseeing day, it promises an authentic and memorable encounter with the city’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: