Toronto 
Did you know that Ontario offers the opportunity to visit historical jail sites? Ontario offers unusual yet memorable tours of jails across the province.
Kingston Pen Tours
From overnight stays to walking tours to day trips, explore the history of punishment and reform through these educational experiences.
If you are looking for a unique adventure and are curious about the background behind these structures, we invite you to discover the prisons in the province that allow public visits.
Kingston Penitentiary
The Kingston Penitentiary was Canada’s largest and most infamous maximum-security prison. During its time, the Kingston Penitentiary contained some of the worst criminals in Canadian history. In 1971, the Kingston Pen experienced a riot where sixteen prisoners were tortured, with two dying on site.
What you can do now: Explore the penitentiary on guided public tours.
When:
April 4 to October 31, 2026
Admission: Standard Tour: $42.13
Extended Tour: $81.13
Express Tour: $27.13
Address: 560 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 4V7
Details
L’Original Prison
L’Original Prison is known as the oldest Prison in Ontario and the 2nd oldest Prison in Canada. The Prison was constructed in 1825 and closed its doors in 1998. L’Original was also the only francophone Prison in Canada.
What you can do now: You can visit the L’Original Prison for guided tours to learn about the history of penitentiary life.
When: Open Year Round; June 1st – Labour Day – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Labour day – May 31 – By appointment
Admission:
Adults: $12/ Seniors (65+): $10
Students: $10/Children (5 – 12): $8
Address: 1023 Queen, P.O. Box 121, L’Orignal
Credit: Historic SDC Jail
Creemore Jail
Known as North America’s smallest jail, the Creemore facility was built in 1892. The total cost to build the jail was $425.20. The prison contained three cells, which held drunken lawbreakers or those who had committed less serious crimes. More violent or disturbed criminals were held in the small jail overnight until they could be transported to the County Sheriff.
What you can do now: The Creemore Jail now serves as a free tourist attraction. You can visit the inside of the jail and even take photographs with friends behind bars.
Hours: May to October, Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Weekend, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free to visit and free parking
Address: 151 Library St #141, Creemore
Credit: Creemore
Jail Escape Hotel – King George Inn
The Old Cobourg Jail served as one of the biggest prisons of its time, accommodating up to a hundred inmates. Expansions included additional cells, offices, and a large concrete wall. Closed in 1998, the jail was sold and transformed into a luxury 20+ room Country Inn & Hotel, maintaining its historic exterior and jail-themed rooms.
What you can do now: The 1906 Georgian manor (front building) has tastefully decorated regular rooms and jail-themed rooms (Jail Hotel) where you can spend the night. They also host Halloween-themed (haunted) events in October.
When: Year-round
Admission: Overnight accommodations will vary depending on the size of the room and length of stay.
Address: King George Inn, 77 Albert Street, Cobourg
Jail Escape Hotel
Historic SDC Jail
The SDC Jail had served as an asylum, a place of refuge, a courthouse, and a jail. SDC Jail has seen much death, with several bodies buried in the exercise yard.
What you can do now: Visitors can participate in guided tours that take you through the cells, the surveillance room and the courtyard. The SDC Jail also offers Movie Nights and hosts school groups.
When: May to August
Admission:
Self-Guided: Adult: $12; Youth (under 18) Senior (55+): $10
Child (under 5): Free; Family (2 adults & 3 youth): $30
Guided Tour Rates: Adult: $20; Youth (under 18) & Senior (55+): $18
Address: 11 Water Street West, Cornwall
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
The Saintlo Jail was initially called the Carleton County Gaol, which was built in 1862. A courthouse was next to the structure, accessible via a tunnel. There had been three executions throughout the time the jail had been in operation until closing its doors in 1972.
What you can do now: The Saintlo Jail is now available for overnight and multi-day stays in its renovated hostel. Complimentary breakfast is served, and the key structure of the cells remains untouched, including the brick walls and iron doors. The hotel includes a picnic area, free Wifi, and a shared kitchen.
When: Year-round
Admission: Overnight accommodations will vary depending on the size of the room and length of stay.
Tour:
- Children 5-12: $12
- Youth 12-18: $17
- Adults: $25
- Students: $20
Address: 75 Nicholas St, Ottawa
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel
Burwash Correctional Center
The Burwash Jail served as a medium-security jail, with an on-site farm where prisoners could grow crops. During its operation, the prison held between 180 and 820 inmates. However, prisoners were only low-risk offenders sentenced to no longer than two years. Burwash is described as a fair and self-sufficient jail.
What you can do now: You can visit the abandoned Burwash with permission for a fee from Avalon Eco Resort via a 4.5km hike.
When: Year-round with permission; best visit in summer. (Phone: (249) 805-0159)
Address: Access on Hwy 637; Burwash Trail, Burwash
Guelph Correctional Centre Grounds
From 1909 to 1972, the Guelph Correctional Centre was best known as the Ontario Reformatory, which focused on improving criminal behaviour rather than punishment. Innovative ideas were implemented to address social issues that plagued the province, and inmates were given employable skills to encourage personal growth, accountability, and self-sufficiency.
What you can do now: Now a heritage site, the Guelph Correctional Center highlights culture and history. Informative, educational, outdoor-only walking tours are now available.
When: Late Spring to Fall
Admission: Donations are accepted
Address: 785 York Rd, Guelph
