A meticulous explorer who made a point to build New France settlements after careful planning, study and by respecting the natives, developing strong relationships with them

Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer, navigator, cartographer, ethnologist, diplomat, and chronicle who made 27 trips across the Atlantic Ocean without losing a ship. He founded New France on 3 July 1608 as he established the French settlement that is now Quebec City.

Champlain began exploring North America in 1603. A great explorer, on foot and by ship and canoe, he traveled through what are now 6 Canadian provinces and 5 American states.

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From 1604 to 1607, he participated in the exploration and creation of the first permanent European settlement north of Florida, in Port Royal, Acadia (1605).

An important figure in Canadian history, Champlain created the first accurate coastal map during his explorations and founded various colonial settlements. Champlain created a map of the Saint Lawrence river as he was the first truly scientific cartographer in North America and his remarkable map is the first to record personal, on-site observations of the variation of the compass. He made early use of data (using a lead line from the bow of a shallop) to precisely measure the depth of rivers, coast lines and harbors he visited. He sketched shorelines in meticulous detail and always checked his accuracy by using his compasses to make careful cross-bearings.

Champlain was the first European to describe the Great Lakes, and published maps of his journeys and accounts of what he learned from the natives and the French living among the Natives. He formed long time relationships with local Montagnais and Innu, and, later, with others farther west. He learned and mastered their languages. Champlain agreed to provide assistance in the Beaver Wars against the Iroquois.

Champlain was very thorough, organized, meticulously prepared all his trips and made a careful study of previous French failures at colonization in the area.

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He proved himself a formidable strategist and warrior.

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“Throughout his three decades in North America, Champlain remained committed to a remarkable vision, a Grand Design for France’s colony. He was a visionary leader, especially when compared to his English and Spanish contemporaries, a man who dreamed of humanity and peace in a world of cruelty and violence” David Hackett Fisher – Champlain’s Dream