Things To Do
in Hudson

Hudson is a charming, bilingual village on the Lake of Two Mountains west of Montreal, known for its tree-lined streets, heritage homes, and waterfront. The town blends a relaxed small-town atmosphere with a lively arts community, independent shops, and seasonal festivals. Visitors enjoy the marina, picnic-friendly parks, and a well-preserved historic core centered on Main Street.

Hudson is a popular base for day trips to nearby parks and hiking areas while offering a quieter alternative to urban Montreal.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the historic center of Hudson, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries fills the air. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, admiring the well-preserved architecture and unique boutiques. Stop by the Hudson Village Theatre to check out any local performances or art exhibitions that may be on display.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Hudson Museum, where you can learn about the rich history and heritage of the area through engaging exhibits. Enjoy lunch at one of the quaint restaurants, sampling local delicacies and seasonal dishes. Afterward, explore the nearby parks or take a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems and historical anecdotes about the town.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a waterfront restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in stunning views of the Ottawa River. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the river promenade, breathing in the fresh air and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. If you're in the mood for entertainment, check out any live music events or community gatherings happening that evening.

day 2
Nature Walks and Bird Watching
morning
:

Start your day with an early morning hike at the nearby Parc de la Rivière-du-Nord, where the crisp air and beautiful scenery will invigorate your spirit. Bring along your binoculars for some bird watching as you stroll along the trails, keeping an eye out for the diverse species that inhabit the area. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, listening to the soothing sounds of the river and birds chirping.

afternoon
:

After your morning exploration, head back into town for a wholesome lunch at a local diner, trying out their specialty sandwiches and homemade soups. Once nourished, visit the nearby nature reserve, where you can partake in guided tours or educational programs focused on local wildlife and conservation efforts. Capture stunning photos of the lush landscape and perhaps spot some more birds in the afternoon light.

evening
:

As evening approaches, consider visiting a local art gallery that showcases the work of Hudson's talented artists, often featuring nature-inspired pieces. Afterward, indulge in dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. Conclude your day with a bonfire at your accommodation or a nearby campsite, sharing stories under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (regular café)$3-5
🚕Short taxi ride (base fare / short trip)$6-15
🍺Domestic beer (pub)$6-9
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Picturesque, walkable village with a strong arts community and heritage architecture
  • Easy access to waterfront activities and nearby parks for outdoor recreation
  • Bilingual community with welcoming local shops and seasonal markets
  • Quieter, more relaxed pace than Montreal while still within driving/rail distance
  • Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than a large city
  • Some businesses and services are seasonal and close in winter
  • Public transit options are more limited outside commuter hours — a car helps
  • Fewer specialized medical facilities locally; major hospitals are in larger nearby centres

Places to Visit in Hudson

Visit one of these nice places.

Hudson Main Street

Picturesque, tree-lined thoroughfare with heritage houses, galleries and colourful storefronts — great for street and architectural photography.

Waterfront and Marina

Marina docks, boats and expansive lake views provide classic sunrise and sunset shots and reflections on calm water.

Heritage Homes and Gardens

Well-maintained Victorian and early-20th-century homes with manicured gardens — ideal for detail and façade images.

Community Parks and Lookouts

Small parks and grassy bluffs offer panoramic views of the Lake of Two Mountains and distant shorelines.

Seasonal Markets and Festivals

Vibrant scenes, stalls, and local characters during summer markets and events — good for candid and lifestyle photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hudson

Hudson's food scene leans toward bistro-style restaurants, artisanal bakeries, local produce and Quebec classics, with a growing number of cafés, microbreweries and wine-friendly eateries. Proximity to Montreal and local farms means good access to seasonal ingredients and regional specialties.

Hudson Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Poutine

Quebec's iconic comfort food of fries, cheese curds and gravy — an easy find at casual eateries and pubs in and around Hudson.

Must-Try!

Tourtière and Meat Pies

Traditional Quebec meat pie available at bakeries and some cafés, especially around the holidays or at local markets.

Maple Products

Local maple syrup, taffy and confections — sold at markets, specialty shops and used in many desserts on local menus.

Fresh Quebec Cheeses and Charcuterie

Local and regional cheeses and cured meats featured on tasting boards at bistros and delis.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hudson Farmers' Market (seasonal)

A summer market offering local produce, baked goods, artisan foods and prepared snacks — great for picnic supplies and regional products.

Main Street Pop-Ups and Food Trucks (seasonal)

During festivals and summer weekends you’ll find pop-up food vendors offering everything from smoked meats to ice cream and local sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hudson has a humid continental climate with warm summers, cold snowy winters, and distinct spring and autumn transitions. Summer temperatures often range from comfortable to warm (20–27°C), while winter frequently dips below freezing with significant snowfall. Spring can be wet and variable; autumn brings crisp air and vivid foliage.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Language Sensitivity

Hudson is bilingual, but French is the official language of Quebec; greeting people in French (Bonjour) is appreciated. Most residents also speak English, especially in the village.

Politeness and Pace

Residents value polite, friendly interactions and a relaxed pace — be courteous, hold doors and say thank you after service.

Respect Private Property

Many waterfront and garden areas are private; stick to public paths and respect signage.

Environment and Quiet

Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas, especially late evenings, and follow rules about waste sorting and recycling.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hudson is generally safe with low violent crime; petty theft can occur so keep valuables secure. Watch for seasonal hazards: icy sidewalks and roads in winter, ticks in grassy areas in late spring/summer, and strong sun or sudden weather on the water. Emergency services are reachable via 911; carry health insurance info if you are a visitor.

Tipping in Hudson

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Quebec, tipping is customary: 15–20% in restaurants, 10–15% for taxis and round up for café/bar service. For table service check if a gratuity is already added for large groups.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; tap payments and mobile wallets are common. Cash is accepted but less often used. Small vendors at markets may prefer cash — bring a modest amount.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, pleasant weather with long daylight hours; ideal for boating, markets, patios and festivals. Expect more visitors on weekends and fine opportunities for water activities and outdoor dining.

Autumn

Crisp days, beautiful fall foliage and cooler evenings; great for scenic drives, hiking nearby ridges, and photography. Pack layers as temperatures can vary widely.

Winter

Cold with snow and ice; the village is quiet and charming under snow, good for winter walks, nearby cross-country skiing and cozy indoor dining. Roads and sidewalks can be slippery — bring warm clothing and traction for shoes.

Spring

Variable weather with thawing and muddy conditions; gardens and trees bloom later than in the city. Some outdoor amenities and seasonal businesses reopen gradually, so check schedules.

Nightlife Guide

Hudson at Night

Hudson's nightlife is low-key and community-oriented: a handful of pubs and bars host live music nights and trivia, and seasonal festivals bring evening programming. Expect quiet streets after dark compared with Montreal; late-night options are limited so plan earlier reservations or travel to larger nearby towns for more variety.

Hiking in Hudson

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oka National Park (Parc national d'Oka)

About a short drive away, Oka offers varied trails, forested routes, dunes and a popular beach on the Lake of Two Mountains — good for day hikes, birdwatching and summer swimming.

Mont Rigaud

A nearby hill with short but rewarding trails offering viewpoints, mountain biking and seasonal activities; popular with locals for quick outdoor escapes.

Hudson Waterfront Trail and Village Paths

Easy, scenic walks along the shoreline and through the village — suitable for photographers, families and gentle strolls.

Airports

How to reach Hudson by plane.

Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

The main international airport serving Montreal, about a 35–50 minute drive depending on traffic; offers international and domestic flights and good car rental options.

Montréal Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport (YHU)

Regional airport south of Montreal with some charter and general aviation services; closer for private flights and some regional connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village core is highly walkable: compact, flat to gently rolling streets, easy pedestrian access to shops, cafés and the waterfront. Outside the center, destinations spread out and a car or bicycle is useful for exploring the countryside and nearby parks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Bilingual Anglophone and Francophone Residents

Hudson has a mix of English- and French-speaking residents, with many families and long-term anglophone presence alongside francophone neighbours.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Montreal and surrounding employment centres, valuing Hudson for its village lifestyle and transport links.

Retirees and Second-Home Owners

The town attracts retirees and seasonal homeowners seeking lakeside living and quiet surroundings.

Artists and Small-Business Owners

A small creative community of artists, gallery owners and local entrepreneurs contributes to the village character.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

Hockey is widely popular in Quebec — youth leagues, community rinks and local enthusiasm for the sport.

Sailing and Rowing

Water sports are common on the Lake of Two Mountains, including sailing, kayaking and recreational rowing.

Soccer and Community Sports

Organized community soccer, baseball and recreational sports are common for families and youth.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Hudson is generally light; however, weekends and summer afternoons can see local congestion near the waterfront and Main Street. Commuter traffic toward Montreal during weekday mornings and evenings can increase on main arteries. Public transit options include commuter rail (Vaudreuil–Hudson line) and regional bus services, but schedules are more limited than in urban cores — driving provides the most flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hudson.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available at cafés and bistros (salads, sandwiches, cheese plates). Larger or more specialized vegetarian dishes are more common in Montreal, so ask staff about daily vegetarian specials or custom options.

Vegan

Vegan choices are available but limited; cafés can often adapt dishes, and markets sell produce and plant-based snacks. Call ahead for more complex vegan meals.

Gluten-free

Many places offer gluten-free bread or menu notes but cross-contamination may occur; smaller kitchens are accommodating if you explain your needs.

Allergies

Staff at independent restaurants are generally helpful — inform them about allergies in advance and double-check ingredient details.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical clinics, pharmacies and first-aid services are available locally for minor issues. For emergency or specialized care, regional hospitals in Vaudreuil-Dorion and Montreal are reachable within about 30–60 minutes by car; visitors should carry travel health insurance and relevant medical documents.

Discover Canada

Read more in our Canada 2025 Travel Guide.

Canada Travel Guide