Hudson is an older community which amalgamated with the former municipalities of Como, and Hudson Heights. Its heritage can be traced back to the early 18th century. There are stories of the Mohawk’s hiding out at Quarry Point to attack the pioneers on their way up the Ottawa River. One of the first residence of Hudson in 1732 was Jean-Baptiste Sabourin. He married the young Sarah Hanson who had been kidnapped by Oka Mohawks from her home near Boston. The kitchen where Sarah cooked has been incorporated into Greenwood, one of the area’s oldest homes, is now open to the public. The Sabourin descendants still live in the area as do the Davidsons, Robinsons, Hodgsons and the Séguins. Hudsonites believe in preserving their rich heritage, not just in the beautiful old buildings found along Main Road, but in their hearts and memories. The Hudson Historical Society was formed in the mid 1960’s to help preserve historical facts and features of Hudson, St. Lazare and many of the surrounding towns.
Hudson boosts one of the oldest operating ferries in Quebec. The Como ferry connects Hudson to the town of Oka. During the winter months you can even drive across the lake on the ice road!
Golfing is a major sport in the area. Presently there are two private clubs, Como Golf Course with 9 holes and the Whitlock Golf and Country Club with an 18 & 9-hole course and curling rinks. There is also the Falcon Golf Course a public 18-hole course, designer by Graham Cook. Hudson has a Legion Hall and Curling Rink, a great place for Thirsty Thursdays crowd!
The Royal Oak Tennis Club, the oldest continuous running tennis club in Canada is located in Como and has four lighted clay courts plus 2 hard courts. The club has a fantastic Junior Development Program and a resident pro and even has an annual Croquet Tournament.
Being situated on the Lake of Two Mountains ensures that much of summer life revolves around the water. The Hudson Yacht Club started out as a country club at the turn of the 20th century but now has become a major social center. The social life at the HYC is pretty well non-stop. Whether it’s the Friday night B-B- Qs, or the Sunday Family Brunches there is always something happening at the Yacht Club! Of course there is also sailing and swimming lessons too!
The town also has a Community Swimming Pool, which offers everything from Tiny Tot lessons to Water Polo! Hudson Sandy Beach and Jack Layton Park are public access points to the lake for all to enjoy.
The Village Theatre, is located in the historical Hudson Railway Station. There are plays running throughout the year and movies monthly. The theatre draws crowds from all over Quebec and Ontario.
Finnegans Antique Market is the place to be every Saturdays throughout the summer. There you’ll find everything from antiques to award winning honey and just about the best hamburgers around!
Le Nichoir’, is the largest rehabilitation centre for songbirds in Canada. The centre is run by volunteers and provides proper care and treatment for injured or orphaned wild birds and releases them back into their natural habitat.
There are two elementary schools in Hudson, one French and one English. St Lazare and Hudson share the secondary level students between Westwood Junior and Senior High Schools. For French secondary school students are buses to Vaudreuil-Dorion just 15 minutes down the road.
The town gained notoriety in 1991 by becoming the first in Quebec, Canada to ban several forms of lawn and garden pesticides used to kill insects and weeds. The town was sued by two pesticide companies and on June 28, 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the town's favor by a 9-0 vote. The Hudson example spurred many other municipalities and provinces in Canada to enact similar bans of pesticides.
Although many residents commute by automobile, a commuter train to Montreal (Vaudreuil-Hudson Line) stops in Hudson twice a day during the week. The town is also served by the 21 bus from the CIT La Presqu'Île, terminating at the Vaudreuil train station.
