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Jacques Cartier: The Man Who Discovered Canada

Nathan Reed

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Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who made three voyages to North America in the 16th century. His explorations led to the discovery of Canada and the St. Lawrence River.

Jacques Cartier

by Craig Duswalt

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Cartier was born in Saint-Malo, France, in 1491. He began his career as a fisherman, but he soon turned to exploration. In 1534, he was commissioned by King Francis I of France to find a northwest passage to Asia. Cartier sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the coast of Newfoundland. He explored the coast for several weeks, but he did not find a passage to Asia.

In 1535, Cartier returned to North America with a larger expedition. He sailed up the St. Lawrence River and reached the site of present-day Montreal. He named the river the St. Lawrence River after Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of sailors. Cartier also explored the interior of Canada, and he met with the Iroquois Indians.

In 1541, Cartier made a third voyage to North America. He sailed up the St. Lawrence River and reached the site of present-day Quebec City. He built a fort there and spent the winter. The following spring, Cartier explored the interior of Canada and reached the Great Lakes. He returned to France in 1542.

Cartier's explorations led to the discovery of Canada and the St. Lawrence River. His voyages also helped to establish France as a major colonial power in North America.

Legacy

Jacques Cartier is considered one of the most important explorers in Canadian history. His voyages led to the discovery of Canada and the St. Lawrence River, and they helped to establish France as a major colonial power in North America. Cartier's legacy is still felt today in Canada, where many places are named after him, including the Cartier Bridge in Montreal and the Cartier Freeway in Toronto.