The Old Don Jail
The Old Don Jail
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
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Neighbourhood: Riverdale
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
9 reviews
Excellent
7
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
KozyKove
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Jun 2014 • Family
The "Don Gaol" was built between 1858 and 1864. Designed by architect William Thomas in 1852, it was constructed with a distinctive façade in the Italianate style with a pedimented central pavilion and vermiculated columns flanking the main entrance portico, and it is one of the oldest pre-Confederation structures that remains intact in Toronto
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free, self-guided tour.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free, self-guided tour.
Written May 28, 2015
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.
Jenny C
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
May 2016
We visited the building during Toronto doors open. Although there was a long line up but the building is worth to see. We ended up to back the week later to see it again because we live near by. If you go other time, it is not busy at all. It is part of the Bridge Point Health Administration building. It opens Monday to Friday from 9am to 5 pm.
Written August 7, 2016
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.
a_linds123
Mississauga, Canada58 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I had a great time visiting the Old Don Jail during Doors Open weekend. We didn't have to wait in line to get in which was nice. It is a very eerie experience checking out the tiny cells where inmates lived. The gallows was the most unsettling part of the tour. During doors open there were guides stationed around points of interest who shared information about the buildings history and the experience of inmates. Highly recommend a visit.
Written August 7, 2018
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.
Colleen M
Toronto, Canada33 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
The design and detail of this building is brilliant, and beautifully preserved. But , make no mistake , your “self guided tour “ has some friendly assistance. Many colourful and depraved souls lived and died in those walls. The Ju Ju of the whole place had my hairs up. Not scared ....as much as I wanted to know more and do research into the entire property. Riverdale Hospital. The Don Jail. The hanging Gallows....it’s just has such an intensive vibe. Really lovely views of the city too if you go to the roof top Garden on the Tenth Floor of Riverpoint. There is no fare, but a donation left would be of a great benefit to the preservation of the site. Go check it out! 👍👍👍👍👍
Written July 10, 2018
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.
broadviewwriter
Canada53 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
There's always a line-up at the Don Jail during special events, but you can take a self-guided tour there any day of the week during office hours. (It's now the admin building for the Bridgepoint Health Centre.) What makes the Don Jail so interesting is that it was considered very advanced for its time, yet scarcely lives up to what we would consider humane accommodation today. Not to mention that it's a gorgeous building and setting. And, of course, it has its share of ghoulish thrills. While you're there, check out the beautiful grounds of the Health Centre, the charming library, and the egg tarts at the local Chinese bakery.
Written October 30, 2018
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.
natashaangeline
Canmore, Canada81 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Don jail is super cool. It's attached to the hospital now so you just walk in and it's a self guided tour. If you're lucky you can talk to a security guard who will give you a bit of information about the jail. Definitely feels eerie, and there are still cells you can look into and they have a punishment and seclusion cell still open to the public. Gallow room is still there and this is a very cool place if you are near it. Spend about an hour there. Free to go from 9:00-5:00
Written August 2, 2017
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.
Rose Marie S
2 contributions
Nov 2019
I GOT A CHANCE TO visit it with my wife. about 3 years ago . This time it was nice not to be a tenant been in and out several times last time it was six plus months .
Glad I grew up ok .
Glad I grew up ok .
Written October 24, 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.
Mlancelot
11 contributions
Mar 2019
“Do it yourself” tour. Pick up a pamphlet and follow the directions. There is a You tube documentary on the jail that is really good to watch before you go and it adds to your enjoyment of the tour.
Written May 5, 2019
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.
Kevin H
15 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
My friend and i visited to at Old Don Jail musuem. i was thought that build inside is full of all Jail like Cell, Max,Shu, Cafe, Visiting room, and more but they are not all only in the basement jail really that at all?. that make me feel waste came to that build. however the basement in jail is ok good. i just feeling that make me not happy. i will never visit again. because i really want to see full all of a rooms inside the prison so i found on website Kingston Prison "Pen" Penitentiary is so much better perfect more fun tour than "Jail Don" is pretty bored not fun enjoy. i will plans to visit the Kingston Penitentiary Museum maybe in summer i don't not yet decide go i just will plan to go the Kingston pen Museum.
it dont mean insult to you
i just want to feedback and my opinion
Thanks.
it dont mean insult to you
i just want to feedback and my opinion
Thanks.
Written April 6, 2019
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.
Is the facility accessible for people with mobility issues? I would like to take my 90 year old mother but if there are a lot of stairs it would not be feasible. Thank you.
Written January 27, 2019
There are a lot of stares, but there are the health center’s elevators , I don’t know if u can use them or not.
Written March 12, 2019
There are informational plaques throughout the basement level where the jail cells are located. There is an informational video as well.
Written November 14, 2018
hellsbells971
Pickering, Canada
do I need to book for a tour and is there free parking and where also accessible parking.
Written March 7, 2017
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