For seasoned travellers, the allure of being able to stay somewhere out of the ordinary may be just enough to intrigue you to stay in a jail for the night. And lucky for you, it’s possible without breaking the law. The Hi-Ottawa Jail hostel (75 Nicholas Street) is set in the historic former Carleton County Gaol that has been restored and redesign as a hostel. Unlike anywhere you’ve ever stayed, along with their dorm room options, the Hi-Ottawa Jail hostel give you the chance to stay in an authentic jail cell overnight. Creepy stuff right?
The Carleton County Gaol was first opened in 1862 and has a long history in our nation’s capital. Every day, they host a 30 minute free tour of the jail at 11:00 am to give you a historic look at the jail, the daily lives of the inmates and why it is considered one of the most haunted buildings in all of Canada.
For tourists, and for those not of the faint of heart, this hostel is the perfect location for your next trip to Ottawa. Centrally located just a short walk away from Parliament Hill, National Gallery of Canada, Byward Market, trendy boutiques, cosy cafe’s, the Canadian Museum of Civilization and more. Check out our summer and winter themed travel guides for more information on what to do in Ottawa!
