This is a building with a history that has left its mark on Canada. Hudson’s Bay, according to local historian Harry Sanders, is North America’s oldest corporation. Read on at calgary1.one to learn more about the rich history of the building, which began as a simple trading post.
The Grand Opening
Josh Traptow, CEO of Heritage Calgary, noted that the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) first arrived in Calgary in 1876. HBC is a Canadian holding company of department stores, the owner of Hudson’s Bay (colloquially “The Bay”) retail outlets. It was founded on May 2, 1670, making it the oldest continuously operating company in the world. It is quite remarkable how a trading company that initially focused mainly on fur trading transformed into a major retailer with a network of department stores.
In 1884, a wooden building was constructed on the site of the modern-day Hudson’s Block in downtown Calgary. Let’s take a closer look at each phase of Hudson’s Bay history.
- The wooden Hudson’s Bay store operated from 1884 to 1891. Seven years later, the store was replaced by a new one, built in the Romanesque Revival architectural style.
- In 1891, Hudson’s Bay began operating as a department store—the first in Calgary. This quickly became a popular destination for locals, often attracting large crowds. Photos of the china department in the Calgary Hudson’s Bay store from 1908 are preserved in the Glenbow Library and Archives.
- Construction began in 1911 on a six-story building west of the block, valued at $1.5 million, and designed in the Chicago style. The new store opened in 1913. At the time, this was the Hudson’s Bay Company’s first purpose-built structure of this type. Josh Traptow stated that the design was a test project, serving as a model for subsequent constructions. For example, new stores in Vancouver (1916), Victoria (1921), and Winnipeg (1926) were modeled after this Calgary flagship.
- In 1962, a barbershop opened in the store. Photographs remain of 11-month-old Jeffrey Pinder getting his first haircut from R. F. Booker.
- Photos of the pharmacy department have also been preserved.
The Department Store Era
The store featured around 40 departments, including a large grocery section, a regional delivery department, and other conveniences such as payphones, and telegraph and cable offices. A separate smoking room was provided for men. Just five years after Calgary’s first passenger elevator was installed, the Hudson’s Bay department store installed its own escalators and elevators, which was considered state-of-the-art at the time.
In 1930, the store completed a major expansion, with final additions including iconic features like a granite column colonnade, terracotta arches, and a terrazzo mosaic floor. These changes cost $2.5 million, with the work carried out by Bennett and White Constructions Company Limited contractors.
In 1958, the Hudson’s Bay department store finished a 130-square-foot expansion, adding an annex on the western side. The cost of this work was estimated at $3.5 million.
The Hudson’s Bay Restaurant
The sixth floor of the building housed a distinctive room reflecting the Elizabethan era. It was furnished and decorated accordingly, eventually transforming into one of Calgary’s most coveted dining spots. The restaurant could accommodate 275 guests. Political figures, members of prestigious clubs, and fraternities often frequented the establishment. Articles from that time often referred to it as the “Elizabethan Dining Room.”
A Social Hub
The store employed around 600 staff who were part of the “Beaver Club”—a social centre and employee association. They participated in excursions, picnics, and spent time together. This made Hudson’s Bay a multifaceted space, offering not only goods but also a certain lifestyle and opportunities for social interaction.
Another interesting and lesser-known fact: Shoppers at the Hudson’s Bay department store could leave their children at a playground set up on the roof. A governess looked after the children while the parents shopped in peace.
The End of the Hudson’s Bay Chapter
Every story has a beginning and an end. The Hudson’s Bay Company offered diverse goods and services throughout the city’s history. Starting in the 1890s, the building solidified its status as a commercial centre. Locals were accustomed to coming here for shopping and to enjoy their time. The company is an example of how a business can integrate into the social and cultural fabric of a city, extending beyond purely commercial activity.
In a period where the retailer is liquidating most of its stores, the era of this company is concluding. This followed HBC filing for creditor protection in March 2025. The company liquidated all but 6 of the 80 stores it owns under the Hudson’s Bay brand, as well as three Saks Fifth Avenue and 13 Saks Off 5th stores in Canada (held under license agreements). The liquidation is set to be completed no later than June 15, 2025. Consequently, discounts at Hudson’s Bay are ranging from 40% to 70% across jewelry, home furnishings, mattresses, clothing, and footwear.
