If sleeping inside an old jail cell sounds like your idea of an unforgettable getaway, there’s a seriously unusual place to stay in New Brunswick.
The Dorchester Jail Bed and Breakfast lets guests spend the night inside a former county jail in Dorchester, New Brunswick.
And this isn’t a modern hotel designed to look like a jail.
The historic building still has original jail cells, locks and jail doors, and guests can actually book one of the cells for the night.
Tourism New Brunswick even describes the experience as “a little spooky.”
You Can Actually Sleep In A Jail Cell
The former Dorchester County Jail has been transformed into one of the most unusual B&Bs in Atlantic Canada.
Instead of removing everything that made the building a jail, many of its original features have been preserved.
Tourism New Brunswick says you’ll still find original cells and locks, jail doors and other historic artifacts throughout the property.
Guests can choose from six jail cells available as accommodations, along with a more traditional VIP room.
And don’t worry, the cell doors aren’t locked while you’re sleeping.
The property is also currently open year-round, meaning this isn’t just a Halloween experience.
The Jail Dates Back To 1875
The building has a lot of history behind it.
According to the Dorchester Jail, the former provincial jail was built in 1875, making the property more than 150 years old.
The owners have since transformed the building into a residential home, B&B and attraction while preserving many reminders of its original purpose.
Today, visitors can either take a tour of the historic jail or go one step further and spend the night.
You Can Tour The Jail Too
You don’t necessarily have to stay overnight to see inside.
The Dorchester Jail also offers tours, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the building and its history.
But staying overnight is definitely the more unusual option.
Imagine walking through an old jail in the evening and then realizing your bedroom for the night is one of the actual cells.
It’s a very different experience from checking into your average hotel.
It Has Modern Amenities Too
Despite the unusual setting, guests aren’t completely giving up modern comforts.
Tourism New Brunswick lists the B&B as offering free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast, while bathroom facilities are shared.
The property is also listed as pet-friendly.
So while you might be sleeping inside a historic jail cell, you’re still staying at an operating B&B.
Dorchester Is Close To Moncton And Sackville
The jail is located at 4980 Main Street in Dorchester, a small New Brunswick community between Sackville and Moncton.
That makes it an interesting addition to a southeastern New Brunswick road trip, especially if you’re looking for somewhere memorable to spend the night rather than booking a typical hotel.
The community itself sits in the Memramcook Valley overlooking Shepody Bay and is part of the Fundy UNESCO Biosphere region.
📍 Where: Dorchester, New Brunswick
🔐 Stay: Former county jail
🛏️ Rooms: 6 jail cells plus a VIP room
📅 Availability: Open year-round
🐾 Pet-friendly: Yes
🍳 Breakfast: Included
One Of New Brunswick’s Most Unusual Places To Stay
Tourism New Brunswick includes the Dorchester Jail Bed and Breakfast on its list of quirky accommodations around the province.
And it’s easy to understand why.
There aren’t many vacations where checking into your room means walking through an old jail door and sleeping inside an original cell.
For anyone looking for a strange and memorable New Brunswick getaway, this one definitely stands out.
References
Tourism New Brunswick: Dorchester Jail Bed and Breakfast
Tourism New Brunswick: Domes, Bubbles and Other Quirky Spots to Stay in NB
Dorchester Jail: Official Website
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