10% off your next stay!
Join the Saintlo adventure and enjoy 10% off your next stay in Montreal and Ottawa.
Welcome to Saintlo Ottawa Jail hostel
You don’t need to commit a crime to go to prison. Just book your room in a real cell block. Although we’ve added comfort, we haven’t touched the most distinctive elements, like the stone walls and iron doors in cells that are over 150 years old.
Every morning, we serve you free breakfast. We also organize tons of activities, including the prison tour. Our youth hostel is just steps from the Parliament Buildings, the Byward Market and the Rideau Canal.
- Breakfast on us (yes, it’s free!)
- Parking ($)
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms and beds
10 beds
Bed in a room with ten beds with air conditioning and ceiling fan. Includes linen, towels, individual lockers and access to electric outlets.
8 beds
Bed in a room with eight beds with air conditioning and ceiling fan. Includes linen, towels, individual lockers and access to electric outlets.
6 beds
Single bed in a room with six beds with air conditioning and ceiling fan. Includes linen, towels, individual lockers and access to electric outlets. Choose between a co-ed or women-only room.
4 beds
Single bed in a room with four beds with air conditioning and ceiling fan. Includes linen, towels, individual lockers and access to electric outlets. Choose between a co-ed or women-only room.
with more room
Double bed in a cell with free Wi-Fi. Includes linen, towels and access to electric outlets.
for two
Two beds in one cell equipped with a desk. Includes linen, towels and access to electric outlets.
for two with private bathroom
A deluxe double cell with air conditioning and ceiling fan. Includes linen, towels and access to electric outlets. Crib available on request.
We welcome you
from
15:
00
We say bye
before
11:
00
Our no-extra-charge extras
- Picnic Area
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Bike rental nearby
- Free Jail tours
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Kitchen essentials like oil, salt, and pepper
- Picnic Area
- Organized activities
- TV room
- Library
- Bike rental nearby
- Air conditioning is available in certain rooms
- Luggage storage
- Complete bathroom on each floor
- Towels, soap, and shampoo
- Bedding
- Lockers with locks in your room
- Electric outlets in your room
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Tasty continental breakfast
Nice-price amenities
- Laundromat ($)
- Parking ($)
We have room (in prison) for your group
Welcome to our completely original hostel: a historic prison that’s over 150 years old. We’ve made the place a lot cozier, but we haven’t touched the stone walls or iron doors. With its practical communal areas and its many rooms, our youth hostel is just perfect for groups of ten or more people. We also offer free historical tours of the prison. How does that sound? Get in touch with our group manager.
Spend more time enjoying your trip than organizing it.
Free activities at the hostel
Discover a Museum at Night
Enjoy free entry to Canada’s national museums every Thursday evening! Join our hostel group to skip the lines and explore captivating exhibits while making new friends. (Museums change weekly.)
Discover Ottawa's Nightlife
Embark on an adventure through Ottawa with our mini pub crawl! Discover hidden gems and iconic spots in the capital while enjoying the unique blend of history and modernity, all without missing your bedtime!
Visit the old Carleton County Jail
Take advantage of a free tour of the prison when you stay at the hostel. Built in 1862, this prison has been home to some of Canada’s most notorious convicts. Transformed into an hostel five decades ago, the prison continues to captivate visitors with tales of travelers from around the world.
Stroll Along the Canal Trail
Take a walk along the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rideau Canal, and discover the hidden treasures of Ottawa. Your route will lead you to local markets and lively neighborhoods.
Explore Ottawa's Cafes
Start your day with our Coffee Crawl! Discover Ottawa’s best cafés and enjoy unlimited coffee (of course!).
Join Exclusive Activities
Get involved in unique events, including VIP access to the Saw Gallery exhibitions, hikes in Gatineau Park, and discounted tickets to the Museum of Nature.
Free and affordable activities in the hood
Discover the immense talent of our artists
Just a few minutes from our hostel, the Ottawa Art Gallery proudly exhibits artists from the region. You’ll find exhibitions and workshops where you can learn cool observational drawing techniques. If you adore art and immersive experiences, you’ll love it. And the best thing about it is entry is always free.
Live the Igloofest experience
An abominable party breaks out in Gatineau, from February 13 to 15, 2025, at the Place des Festivals Zibi. Yes, Igloofest, the world’s coldest music festival is hitting town as part of Winterlude. Get your ski suit ready; it’s going to be a blast!
Be sure to book the Igloofest special at Auberge Saintlo Ottawa Jail and save 10% on your stay!
Discover the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa
Dive into the fascinating world of nature at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. Explore its interactive exhibits that showcase Canada’s wildlife and flora, as well as geological and paleontological wonders. Just a 25-minute walk from the hostel, this museum is the perfect place to spend a day out of the cold while discovering captivating natural treasures.
Skate on the world's largest natural ice rink
Skating on the Rideau Canal is one of the best outdoor activities in winter. Beginners and experts alike lace up and glide around the 30cm thick ice. There are huts with foods, like BeaverTails, and enjoy the views of downtown Ottawa.
Go Snow Biking in Gatineau Park
Not far from Saintlo Ottawa Jail, across the Ottawa River, is Gatineau Park. The park boasts 49.5 km of snow biking trails, with options for all skill levels. The southern sector is the most popular. Bike rentals are available at Relais Plein Air.
Guided Jail Tour
Jail tours
You’re not staying at the hostel, but you’d still like to visit the prison? The Saintlo Ottawa Jail is delighted to offer guided tours to the public. Perfect for an outing with family or friends.
Built in 1862, this prison has been home to some of Canada’s most notorious convicts. Transformed into an hostel five decades ago, the prison continues to captivate visitors with tales of travelers from around the world.
*Free for hostel guests. See reception for details and registration.
Pamela MacNaughtan
Phil Eastman
Kathleen Murphy
Jennifer Doré Dallas
