Crossing to New France: The 17th–18th Century Transatlantic Journey

Crossing to New France: The 17th–18th Century Transatlantic Journey

French settlers reached New France (Canada) exclusively by sailing ship.

Vessels & Ports

Wooden ships (200–500 tons) departed from Le Havre, Dieppe, La Rochelle.

Routes

• Grand Circle (common): West across North Atlantic, then south to Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Northern Route (riskier): Direct great-circle path; prone to storms, icebergs.

Conditions

• Duration: 6 weeks to 6+ months.
• Cramped, unsanitary; scurvy, smallpox, typhus common.
• Passengers: settlers, soldiers, missionaries, artisans.

Arrival & Settlement

Landfall at Quebec (1608), Trois-Rivières (1634), Montreal (1642). The St. Lawrence corridor became the colony's spine.