Hudson

Forest corridors, rivers, wetlands, and parks along the lakeshore shape Hudson’s network of nature trails. There are also well-maintained trails, a riverside path through changing landscapes, and more than 23.6 kilometres of city-maintained trails in winter. If you enjoy spending time outdoors on vacation, you’ll find a range of nature experiences here—from river views to opportunities to observe plants and wildlife.

Forests, Wetlands, and River Views

Clarke-Sydenham Nature Reserve showcases different aspects of this landscape: the protected area includes old-growth forests, temporary ponds, wetlands, and open fields. Its trail network offers opportunities to observe local plants and wildlife. If you like to notice the details on your outings, you can focus on the transitions between forest, water, and open areas rather than planning your day around just one activity.

Sandy Beach also offers a variety of natural features. Spanning 57 acres, the area includes sandy coves, river mouths, beaver ponds, forest, and wetlands. Trails and boardwalks connect these landscape features. A biodiversity study conducted in 2024 recorded 343 species in the Sandy Beach ecosystem, including 29 at-risk species. This gives the area a special appeal for anyone interested not only in the landscape but also in its plants and wildlife.

The Sandy Beach Trail passes through forest paths and wetlands and along streams, with river views along the way. The trail is accessible via Jack Layton Park or the Hudson Community Centre. You can start your visit from either of these two access points, while the route itself passes through several distinct types of landscape. When planning your day, you can decide whether to focus on the route and its natural features or on other activities in Hudson.

Water Activities and Winter Trails

Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are available for rent at Jack Layton Park from June 24 to September 7. The listed hours are Wednesday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you want to combine your trip with a water activity, this date range is useful to keep in mind when planning. Kayak and SUP rentals offer a clear contrast to the nature trails that also shape Hudson’s character.

Winter trails offer another way to experience the area: during winter, the city maintains more than 23.6 kilometres of trails in Hudson for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. These three activities offer different experiences but use the same city-maintained trail network. When choosing your travel dates, you can consider whether you’re more interested in water activities or getting active on winter trails.

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

Your planned outings can be a useful starting point when choosing a vacation rental or cottage: consider whether you want to include the nature areas, Sandy Beach Trail, summer rentals at Jack Layton Park, or winter trails in your stay. If you’re travelling with a dog, dogs are welcome on a leash on all trails in Hudson.

More location pages to help you plan: Les Coteaux, Saint-Zotique, L'île-Perrot, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Sainte-Marthe, Les Cèdres, and Rigaud.

For the broader travel overview: Vaudreuil-Soulanges.