1000 The Norse (Vikings) establish the first European settlement on the coast of Newfoundland and attempt to settle there permanently. Although they do not remain there for a long time as a result of tense relations with locals inhabitants, they continue to make periodic crossings over the next 200 years from Greenland to obtain timber from Labrador. They may have also traded for furs and walrus ivory with the Natives of the Arctic, whom they called "Skrealings".

1400 The coastal waters of North America are increasingly visited by Portuguese, Spanish, French and English ships crossing the Atlantic to fish and hunt whales. Also, Basque fisherman explore the east coast of North America and trade with Natives. Iron tools, wool blankets, colorful clothing, guns and beads are given to the Indians in exchange for pelts. Small-scale coastal fishing and trading activities by Europeans will continue for the next century.

1497-8 Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) sails for England and discovers what is now Newfoundland, Canada.