- He was the first European to explore the Hudson River, which is named after him.
- He was the first European to sail into what is now known as Hudson Bay.
- He was the first to explore the Arctic waters of Canada.
- He made detailed maps of the areas he explored, which were used by other explorers.
- He made contact with various Native American tribes, and established trade with them.
- He helped to establish the fur trade in North America.