1534 Jacques Cartier explores the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River. He raises a cross in what is now Gaspé (Québec) on 24 July, claiming the territory for France. Near Chaleur Bay Cartier accounts that his crew saw 40 canoes of Micmac Indians showing animal pelts attached to sticks. Fearing these Indians, Cartier does not approach them. The next day, the Indians return in nine canoes. The explorer accounts that they were making signs indicating that they wished to barter their skins. Cartier and his men made similar gestures and sent two men to offer them knives and other metal goods, as well as a red hat for their chief. Cartier's later voyages in 1535-6 and 1541-42 reached as far up river as the site of Montreal (Hochelaga). He spend the winter of 1541-42 near Québec (Stadacone) in a climate of extreme mutual mistrust with his Iroquoian guests. His settlement project failed due to these tense relations. MAP

1543 French fisherman and merchants extend their territory in the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence as far as the Saguenay region of Québec. This stimulates an increase in the fur trade among French merchants.

1577 Henri IV provides the first fur trade monopoly in the history of Canada to François LaRoche. Until 1663, the French fur trade is conducted by private companies granted monopoly trading powers by the French Crown in exchange for the promotion of settlement and trade.

1598 The monopoly of François LaRoche is renewed. He departs from France with 250 settlers and explores the banks of Acadia. The exploration mission fails as a result of a storm and, five years later, the original settlers, well adapted to the local Micmac culture, return to France.

1599 Pont-Gravé and Chauvin demand the union of French fur traders and merchants to avoid costly rivalries in the fur trade. They obtain a royal charter for trade. In return, they must establish 500 settlers in the following 10 years.