Jacques Cartier and the European Discovery of Canada

French explorer Jacques Cartier is credited with the major European "discovery" and mapping of the territory now known as Canada during three voyages between 1534 and 1542.

Voyage Milestones

• 1534 (1st Voyage): Explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and entered the St. Lawrence River. Claimed the land for France (Gaspé Peninsula).
• 1535–1536 (2nd Voyage): Sailed up the St. Lawrence to the Iroquoian villages of Stadacona (Quebec City) and Hochelaga (Montreal). Overwintered; documented scurvy and indigenous life.
• 1541–1542 (3rd Voyage): Attempted to establish a permanent settlement (Charlesbourg-Royal) near Quebec and sought the Northwest Passage to Asia. The colony failed; Cartier returned to France.

Cartier's voyages laid the foundation for New France, though permanent settlement (Quebec City) was ultimately achieved by Samuel de Champlain in 1608.