New experience? Most definitely. Spooky? Yup. Haunted? Probably. I present to you: HI Ottawa Jail
Here’s a bit of history…
Perfectly placed right in the heart of Downtown Ottawa sits the awesome HI Ottawa Jail. This former notorious Ottawa jail is a now fully converted (and quite frankly really impressive) hostel! This space acted as a true prison until the early ‘70’s and housed men, women, and even child criminals.
About the Hostel
Once the prison closed, it was very quickly transformed into a hostel that uniquely allows its guests to ‘experience jail for the night’. Now, what is it really like staying overnight in a fifty-year-old jail? Let me explain.
Sleeping in a jail cell
Yes, that’s right… guests are able to bunk in the cells of former inmates. If you’re lucky, you can even land a spot in one of the old solitary confinement blocks! Although the space is the same, of course the conditions are much different. All cells are equipped with Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, and even free breakfast.
There are a number of different room types ranging from shared to private cells to even suites with ensuite washroom facilities. I stayed in the Double Jail Cell Room. It was enclosed by an authentic iron-bar door. Inside, I was greeted with a bright and cozy space. The white brick, comfortable bed, and bedside lights make you sort of forget that you’re in a former-jail cell.
a walkthrough of the vibes
Three words: fun, spooky, and weird…but it’s very interesting. The first thing that you notice upon arrival is the modern-feel that this space has. The front check-in area is similar to that of a hotel and instantly makes you feel a sense of comfort. Upon checking in, you’ll be briefed on the hostel’s facilities, jail tour rules, and then be assigned a personal key-code to be used when entering the building. Hostel’s are of course known to have lesser security measures so the concept of a key-code was super comforting.
As soon as you enter the jail itself, it starts to become real that you are about to stay the night at a true Ottawa prison. The dimly lit halls and super quiet floors definitely create a spooky vibe. In typical hostel nature, washroom and shower facilities, for the most part, are shared but they are honestly so incredibly clean and very easily accessible. The building was also originally designed to carry sound, however, HI Ottawa Jail does an awesome job of inputting ‘quiet hours’ to allow for a sound sleep and relaxing stay. The concept of this hostel is truly incredibly well thought out and very accommodating, but I think it is important to note that it is still a hostel and some aspects that you may be used to in a hotel may not exactly transfer.
Exploring the Grounds
One of the coolest aspects of this hostel is that there is so much to do at the facility itself. Discover it’s marveling history, check out their hangout spots, or have your own photoshoot around the extremely photogenic halls.
learning the history
It’s obvious that this location has history. What really tops it off is the sheer amount of info-boards that they have placed around the premises. These are in great supply on every floor and provide facts, history tidbits, and conceptual insights of the former prison. Don’t want to explore the grounds on your own? They also offer a free jail tour every day!
Vibe out in their hangout spaces
Hostelling International Canada has really created a ‘hostel-meets-hotel’ atmosphere. Relax in their ‘take a book, leave a book’ library. Mingle, play games, or catch up on some TV in their media room. Or even whip up some quick meals in their common-area kitchen space.
fill your camera roll
HI Ottawa Jail’s stone walls, dim halls, and eerily empty spaces are a true photographer’s paradise. Take your time, experiment with the area, and capture your true jail experience. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a ghost…
Key Takeaways
Staying at HI Ottawa Jail was definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life.
- Hostel-meets-hotel. Safety is always #1, especially in a hostel setting, and they pretty much nailed it. Private key-codes, deadbolt room locks, and sectioned men and women areas are just a few of the aspects that really show how much this property cares about making their guests feel comfortable.
- Free fun. Their free jail tour offered daily is a huge bonus when staying at the hostel. You’ll be led by a staff member in a small group who will explain the history and share stories of the jail at no charge.
- Great amenities. The level of amenities and facilities at HI Ottawa Jail do not go unnoticed. Their laundry room, lockers, library, TV room, bike rentals, kitchen space, and parking area are just some things that make this hostel once again feel more like a hotel.