Hudson House Trading Company
Hudson House Trading Company
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Neighbourhood: Gastown
A visit to Gastown is like turning back the clock and stepping into a bygone era. With the distinction of being Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, the many plaques that stud the cobbled streets of Gastown tell the story of its colorful past, giving Vancouver's history a more lively presence here than anywhere else. Having been originally founded around a popular worker's saloon, it's no wonder that today some of Vancouver's best micro-breweries, creative cocktail joints, and corner bars can be found in this area. Classical charm suffuses its many vintage boutiques and the brick-built structures that an army of creative professionals call home.
How to get there
- Waterfront • 3 min walk
- Granville • 7 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
20 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
6
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
1
werenotthere
Geelong, Australia113 contributions
Aug 2022
Just your typical touristy shop. Brought a fair bit of items from them but our back pack didn't have enough room and asked for a bag so we can carry the remaining items. Instead was told it would cost $1 CAD for the bag. I would have been ok with that however I notice the customer before me brought similar amount of stuff but wasn't charged for a bag!
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,505 contributions
Jul 2020
Hudson House is a touristy shop located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown. While it tries to paint itself as unique and “unlike any other store” in the city, it is in actuality a mere carbon copy of any other tourist shop in the Greater Vancouver Area. For example, the Hudson House focuses its energies on Canadiana: Vancouver and Canada-themed t-shirts, toques, maple syrup, maple cookies, smoked salmon, CANADA sweaters, First Nations artwork, jewelry, books, and other such Vancouver-themed trinkets. If that sounds familiar, well, that’s because it is: Michelle’s Import Plus, which is also located in Gastown, sells pretty much the same thing; Vancouver Marketplace and Sea to Sky Marketplace, both in YVR Airport, also sells very similar products; and, Hudson’s Bay on Granville very much plays to the same market, albeit on a much grander scale. In short, there’s just not much to distinguish this place from other shops. I don’t mean to be negative, but I just hate it when people or places try to present themselves as something other than what they are.
I’d like to appreciate that Hudson House goes for an old-fashioned trading post theme, but I think it just highlights the very faux nature of the shop: the cheap shake roofs, fake trees, mass-produced totems, fake black argillite carvings, etc. Far from re-creating the atmosphere of “what it was like 400 years ago,” Hudson House displays contemporary consumerism to a tee.
I should offer a brief comment on the staff: Some of them are quite friendly and helpful, but others are downright insulting. Let me explain: As I ambled about the shop, I couldn’t help but notice one staff member following me around in a not-so-subtle way. Each time I looked in his direction, he’d pretend to be examining a shelf . . . come on! If I wanted to shoplift, I’d go somewhere a little higher end.
Now, I don’t want to be overly negative. While this shop doesn’t strike me as anything unique or special, it does carry a wide selection of items for those looking to take some Canadiana home with them. Perhaps some maple syrup and cookies? Or how about Roots Canada clothing?
Heck, even if you don’t go into the store, at least take a selfie with “Paws” the Black Bear and “Melvin” the Moose! They’re as Canadian as you can get ;)
I’d like to appreciate that Hudson House goes for an old-fashioned trading post theme, but I think it just highlights the very faux nature of the shop: the cheap shake roofs, fake trees, mass-produced totems, fake black argillite carvings, etc. Far from re-creating the atmosphere of “what it was like 400 years ago,” Hudson House displays contemporary consumerism to a tee.
I should offer a brief comment on the staff: Some of them are quite friendly and helpful, but others are downright insulting. Let me explain: As I ambled about the shop, I couldn’t help but notice one staff member following me around in a not-so-subtle way. Each time I looked in his direction, he’d pretend to be examining a shelf . . . come on! If I wanted to shoplift, I’d go somewhere a little higher end.
Now, I don’t want to be overly negative. While this shop doesn’t strike me as anything unique or special, it does carry a wide selection of items for those looking to take some Canadiana home with them. Perhaps some maple syrup and cookies? Or how about Roots Canada clothing?
Heck, even if you don’t go into the store, at least take a selfie with “Paws” the Black Bear and “Melvin” the Moose! They’re as Canadian as you can get ;)
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Foodconisurenz
26 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We went past this shop whilst we were on the Hop on Hop of bus, and my eyes were drawn to the amazing display in Hudson's shop front. I was brought back to the time I drove past Harrods in London for the very first time. On the second day of our hop on hop off bus pass (well worth buying), we hopped off as the stop was right in front of Hudson's front door. The shop was filled from top to bottom with Canadian souvenirs. I managed to find some gifts for all the family back home. This is a delightful shop and well worth a look see.
Written July 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
Aug 2021
The store caters to tourists and now we tourists are finally making our way back! Canada opened the border to Americans on August 9th (with a host of conditions and requirements); but those with hardy souls persevered.
We appreciated being able to shop without being badgered by the sales staff and made our purchase in our own time, pressure-free.
Not much has changed here since our 2019 visit and that works for us!
We appreciated being able to shop without being badgered by the sales staff and made our purchase in our own time, pressure-free.
Not much has changed here since our 2019 visit and that works for us!
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare P
Greater Manchester, UK129 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Excellent choice of souvenirs at a good price. Brought syrup/magnets/T-shirts from here. Friendly shop. Highly recommend A*
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TexL9
Charlotte, NC61 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Fun store. Had a lot of variety and reasonable prices. Wish I had picked up one of the kangaroo leather hats, but gives us a good excuse for a return visit.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PUSSYCAT83
Hockley, UK61 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Not worth a visit 🙄 purchased a mug made my first cup of tea when I arrived home & it leaked & then the bottom fell off. Not happy .
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David n
Manchester, UK4,761 contributions
Jan 2020
.. one of the better (i.e. less tackier) tourist haunts. Amongst, the usual trivial stuff were some better quality and interesting items.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
The Canadian Moose decked out in the RCMP uniform piqued our interest and drew us in. Our Vancouver visit was drawing to a close and we still (surprisingly) had room in our luggage for more souvenirs.
The store is extremely well laid out and becomes as much a visual treat as well as a shopping mecca, Canadian style. A moose Christmas tree ornament and some t-shirts made their way home with us.
Early evening is the best time to shop here; the decorative lights in the store are on and the place just has such a warm, lodge-like atmosphere.
The store is extremely well laid out and becomes as much a visual treat as well as a shopping mecca, Canadian style. A moose Christmas tree ornament and some t-shirts made their way home with us.
Early evening is the best time to shop here; the decorative lights in the store are on and the place just has such a warm, lodge-like atmosphere.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine B
Bromsgrove, UK37 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Super for picking up presents to take back home and a good place to find things that are a little different.
Written October 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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