Some of the most famous early French settlers include:
- Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River and claimed Canada for France in 1534.
- Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec City in 1608 and established the first permanent French settlement in North America.
- Father Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary who was martyred by the Iroquois in 1649.
- Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette, who explored the Mississippi River in 1673.
These early French settlers played a vital role in shaping the history of Canada, and their legacy continues to this day.