Jacques Cartier

Jacques Cartier was a French explorer in the 16th century who is known for discovering and mapping parts of what is now Canada. In the 1530s, he led voyages across the Atlantic, exploring the St. Lawrence River, which he believed could be a route to Asia. His efforts laid the groundwork for future French claims in North America and sparked France’s interest in colonizing the region. Cartier’s explorations helped Europeans understand the geography of eastern Canada and opened the door for subsequent exploration, trade, and settlement in North America.