Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour
4.5
Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour
By The Haunted Walk
About
Take a spooky tour through one of North America’s most haunted buildings: the Old Carleton County Jail in Ottawa. Get ready for an evening of chilling tales and things that go bump in the night on the site of Canada’s last operational gallows, led by a guide who shares all the history and hauntings of the Ghosts and Gallows.
from per adult
C$33.89
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 10-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 1h 15m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, French
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Highlights
- Costumed storyteller-guides leading the tour adds to the creepiness factor
- Skip the line and have your spot guaranteed on this popular tour
- Hear the tales of ghostly happenings at one of Canada’s most haunted hostels
- The haunted tour runs year-round; dress for a short walk outside
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- Entry/Admission - The Haunted Walk
- Entry/Admission - Ottawa
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meet your guide and storyteller for the evening outside the tour ticket. The historical costume they wear and ghostly lantern they carry help set the tone for the chilling tales to come. Follow the alley down to the hostel that was once the Old Carleton County Jail, a prison that housed some of Ottawa’s most notorious criminals before they were hanged on the on-site gallows. Some say the unhappy souls of the wrongly executed still haunt the place! Before the tour ends at the jail, decide for yourself if the tales of floating coins, unexplained chills, and faceless ghosts could possibly be true.
- Departure details
- 46 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, Canada Haunted Walk's ticket office, located just steps from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa
Return details- Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, 75 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9, Canada
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 31824P6- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum age is 10 years
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour?
- Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour price starts from C$34.67. Discover and book Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour on Tripadvisor
- What is the Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour cancellation policy?
- Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 1h 15m. Discover and book Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 31824P6
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start at46 Sparks St.46 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, CanadaHaunted Walk's ticket office, located just steps from Parliament Hill in downtown OttawaSee address & details
- Pass byRideau Canal National Historic Site
- 1Saintlo Ottawa Jail HostelStop: 45 minutes - Admission includedEnter into one of the most haunted buildings in North Ameria! Hear the chilling ghost stories and dark history as you explore the cellblock, death row, and the last working gallows in Canada.Read more
- You'll end atSaintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel75 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9, CanadaSee address & details
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About the operator
- jannG7235KQ00Gifted storyteller made for a great experience.Lots of fun; many thanks to Paul who is a gifted storyteller (which is the most important part of anything to do with ghosts!). He made this a great evening. An interesting way to explore downtown too.
- Experience78249800Everything I hoped it would beWhat a fun evening spent learning some of the lesser known history of the city! I’ve always wanted to do this tour, and finally did it tonight, a month before moving out of the city. I don’t know how you arranged the full moon, but it was a nice touch. Our guide, Darcy, was a great story-teller and managed to project her voice over all the busyness of the area. Now I want to do the other tours in Ottawa!
- Inked_ChinaDoll8400Educational Fun!I love walking tours! This tour was my first experience with this company; I especially enjoyed the spooky edge. Let's say my fear of ghosts was definitely tingling with eery anticipation. The historian in me was also appeased. Monica was our guide: she was A+. Can't wait to try more of these in Toronto!
- kjbull202200Absolutely EnjoyableMonica was a fantastic guide. The pace was perfect and the stories were exciting and interesting. The group had some really tough questions and Monica was able to respond with ease and accuracy. It was a shame we weren't able to get closer to the bytown museum but even with that small surprise/setback Monica concluded the tour with no less excitement or enthusiasm as she started with. Looking forward to my next visit to the city and taking the other tours offered.
- marybU8170CE00Original Haunted WalkI took the original tour at 9PM, August 4th. I think the name of the tour guide was Cassie and she was amazing, I had a great time learning about the spooky side of Ottawa, she was very friendly and almost added a spooky tone to all stories she told. Very interesting experience, I'd recommend it 100%
- ruru5700brilliantmy siblings and i did the walk with monica. it was the best experience we had in the city in the 10 days we were there for. monica’s storytelling was great and she answered all the questions we had. i will highly recommend this experience for both locals and visitors in ottawa. would definitely try the jail walk next time i’m in ottawa. thank you monica!
- 824lyndsayt00Very Fun & AtmosphericThe county jail tour with Caroline was amazing this past weekend, she went above and beyond with her delivery and there was a very good blend of true history amongst the spooky ghost tales. The lengths everyone has gone through to keep these historical places as they once were to get the full experience is truly amazing. Very interesting and spooky for people regardless of whether you’re interested in the history of the place or in hearing the ghost tales, overall an amazing experience. Very friendly staff, the merch in store is very on brand if you enjoy some spooky souvenirs as well.
- 242gegen00The best!The tour was great, our guide (Caroline) was exceptional, made all the right pauses to give the stories the right amount of dramatic flare.. we didn't even feel the cold!
- ImusUbique00Great walkFelix was a great guide. Enjoyable evening all round! Got to walk along Rideau canal and through city hall sharing ghost stories
- D4085FKamyb00Practically and Paranormally InformativeA ghost tour is an amazing idea if you’re in a new city and want to get familiar with your surroundings while enjoying a fun experience. Nat was our evening guide in Ottawa this past weekend and she was expert on every story and very animated. Excellent experience and I’m glad I signed up- now I want to take the tour of Toronto!
- GenevieveFromSuds00You won’t regret it! Do it now!Spooktacular!! And at a steal if a price! This was a great way to learn more about the history of the city and all the spooky vibes. Our guide Nathan was top notch 👌. I’d consider a season’s pass if they had one and several different tours! Will definitely be bringing friends and family from out of town.
- meganrO6895BW00Great Tour by Sarah AnneIncredible tour (even if it did start a little rainy) by Sarah Anne. She was so knowledgable of the city and enthusiastic about any questions I had. The tour itself was such a fun way to learn about the darker history of the city and to see the old buildings at night. I would definitely recommend if you are only in Ottawa for a short time and want to see more of the city.
- lynnng202200Good experienceVery interesting The guide was very knowledgeable The weather was just perfect, rain, tnunder, lightning I would recommend that walk
- 965marielat00Must do in Ottawa!It was a great experience!, our tour guide Monica vas very knowledgeable and made us feel excited on every story she was telling. I would totally recommend this tour!
- Tourist4320581360200Fun and interesting way to explore the city. Sarah Anne was greatSarah Anne was an engaging guide on this interesting and informative tour. We learned some interesting history of Ottawa and legends about the paranormal in the downtown area. I wouldn’t worry about nightmares after, but just enough creepiness to keep everyone interested. Not a fast pace but lots of walking if you e already spent the day on your feet! The city looks totally different and beautiful at night!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
155
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29
Average
11
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4
Terrible
2
Aaron W
Pittsburgh, PA6 contributions
Feb. 2020
We had a wonderful tour of the old jail. It was perfect for the entire family including our younger son. The tour was very fun and very safe and we really had a gret time. We recommend highly if you are looking to experince some history and intrigue into Ottawa's past.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kazMaidstone
Maidstone47 contributions
Jul. 2022
Advertised as a 75 minute tour but you are only in the jail for about 35 minutes (it takes nearly 30 minutes to walk to the jail from the meeting point). Overall the tour was quite interesting but the guide could have added a bit more ‘theatre’ in the stories to make it more fun.
Still worthwhile
Still worthwhile
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hautedwalkottawa
Hello! Thank you so much for joining us on tour! We're glad to hear you found it interesting. We appreciate all your suggestions and will be passing them along to our Ottawa team! Stay spooky!
Written August 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
_cassf94
20 contributions
I honestly don’t know what I was expecting from this tour, but I’d been to both haunted walks of Kingston and Fort Henry years ago and loved it. I was excited to spend some time in the jail itself but we spent more time on the streets than we did in the actual hostel.
The tour is 75 minutes but you’re in the jail for maybe 20 mins. You’re super rushed once inside and only get to see two different areas.
Wouldn’t recommend this tour and will not be going on the haunted walk of Ottawa tour because of this, quite frankly boring, experience.
The tour is 75 minutes but you’re in the jail for maybe 20 mins. You’re super rushed once inside and only get to see two different areas.
Wouldn’t recommend this tour and will not be going on the haunted walk of Ottawa tour because of this, quite frankly boring, experience.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
acapella1976
Gatineau, Canada18 contributions
I was afraid it would be lame for my 16 and 12 year old but they really appreciated it. Oliver, our guide, knows how to tell a good story. I was listening to every word. I was kind of hoping something scary would happen but nothing scary happened. Hahaha But seriously, it was entertaining for adults and teens. I wouldn't recommend under 10 years old as it is stated on their website. It's not THAT spooky, there's just a lot of talking and they might not have the interest as it is basically a history lesson. But a very interesting one nonetheless.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess H
1 contribution
Oct. 2022
Absolutely LOVED the tour. I've been on haunted walks and ghost tours in some of the most haunted places in the world, and I am happy to add this one to the list. Our storyteller, Heather, was an excellent and informative guide, and the jail itself was delightfully creepy. Would absolutely love to sleep there if it does open back up as a hostel. Do yourself a favor and eat at D'Arcy Magee's next door before you go on the tour. Makes for a perfect opener to this historical jaunt.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steffan S
2 contributions
Aug. 2022
It was a bit disappointing to be honest because the time at the prison felt rushed. The spookiness never quite kicked in. It felt more to us like a historical tour/visit than a tour from the Haunted Walk team. It is advertised as a 75 min tour but we were done in less than an hour.
We have been to many other tours of the haunted walk team in the past few years and this is the one we enjoyed the least. Definitely not a four on the spookiness scale as advertised on the website.
We have been to many other tours of the haunted walk team in the past few years and this is the one we enjoyed the least. Definitely not a four on the spookiness scale as advertised on the website.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamie P
1 contribution
Aug. 2022
I was looking forward to this tour and I was disappointed. Our tour guide did not engage the group and I felt like she was only focused on getting through her stories and not encouraging us to be part of the experience. I felt rushed when we were in jail and had no time to take photos. Our tour ended early (we spent less than 60 minutes). I would not recommend it.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent B
Quebec City, Canada2 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
First, the visit do not begin at the jail but for away in the city. The person in charge not verify at the beginning if you are in the correct group cause there are plenty. About the visit of the prison itself, the guid give a lot of infos, explain well, spell well and talk high enough. However, the time of the visit is pretty quick. Fair in overall, but not go over the expectations.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben R
Ditchling, UK181 contributions
We had a fantastic tour with Dana, who did an excellent job telling us a key story in Ottowa’s history. They made sure the story was informative but also spooky and it was very intriguing to see the old Ottowa jailhouse. I would thoroughly recommend this tour and would like to thank Dana for being an excellent guide.
Written May 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent J
7 contributions
1 hour walking, 15 minutes tour. Not scary at all, that’s only a jailhouse visit with a guide telling stories. Boring and disappointing. The visit of the Philadelphia Eastern state penitentiary is interesting and scary during Halloween (terror behind the walls). Cheaper and 10 times better
Written December 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour j'aimerais savoir la visite de la prison ce fait juste en anglais personne parle français ???
Sopot
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
For what age kids would be this tour appropriate?
SillyGingerMummy
Hamilton, Canada4 contributions
I took my eleven year old but not my six year old. I’d say she could have handled it at eight or nine - but it really depends on whether your child is easily spooked.
kathiescorner
Edmonton, Canada
Do you have any tours Friday April 27. I am interested in the jail tour. Where do we meet?