Jacques Cartier(1491 - 1557)

In the name of Francis I, he sailed in 1534 with two ships westward in search of a passage to China. It travels north along the Canadian coast and then south around the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The following year, the king sent him back to explore the continent. Cartier then enters the St. Lawrence River which he calls "the Great River". The young Indians on board want to train him in search of the legendary (and rich in gold) kingdom of Saguenay. It continues along the river to the village of Stadacona (now Quebec), then again to the village of Hochelaga on the island of Montreal. Then he winters with his crew in difficult conditions. His third trip was made in 1541 under the orders of Roberval, who actually left a year later than him. Cartier hibernates again, as animosity swells between the sailors and the Indians. In the spring, he decides to return to France as soon as possible.