Jacques Learns About Jacques Cartier

Jacques Cartier was a French explorer who made three voyages to the New World in the 16th century. He was the first European to explore the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Cartier also made contact with the Indigenous peoples of Canada, including the Iroquois and the Huron.

Jacques Cartier's Early Life

Jacques Cartier was born in Saint-Malo, France, in 1491. He was the son of a wealthy merchant and received a good education. Cartier was fascinated by maps and loved to read about the adventures of other explorers. As a young man, he sailed to Brazil and Newfoundland.

Jacques Learns about Jacques Cartier

by Valerie Sherrard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	25 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Jacques Cartier's First Voyage

In 1534, Cartier was commissioned by King Francis I of France to lead an expedition to find the Northwest Passage. The Northwest Passage was a mythical waterway that was believed to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Cartier sailed from Saint-Malo with two ships, the Grande Hermine and the Petite Hermine.

Cartier sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and reached the coast of Newfoundland. He then sailed up the St. Lawrence River, becoming the first European to explore this vast waterway. Cartier met with the Iroquois and the Huron, and he learned about their culture and way of life.

Jacques Cartier's Second Voyage

In 1535, Cartier returned to the New World with three ships. He sailed up the St. Lawrence River again and reached the site of present-day Montreal. Cartier wintered in Stadacona, a Huron village located on the site of present-day Quebec City.

During the winter, many of Cartier's crew members died from scurvy. Cartier learned from the Huron how to make a tea from the bark of the white pine tree, which cured scurvy. In the spring, Cartier continued his exploration of the St. Lawrence River. He reached the Lachine Rapids, which prevented him from going any further.

Jacques Cartier's Third Voyage

In 1541, Cartier returned to the New World with five ships. He sailed up the St. Lawrence River again and reached the site of present-day Montreal. Cartier then sailed up the Ottawa River, hoping to find the Northwest Passage. He reached the Lachine Rapids again, and this time he was able to portage his ships around the rapids.

Cartier continued up the Ottawa River, but he did not find the Northwest Passage. He wintered in Stadacona again, and in the spring he returned to France.

Jacques Cartier's Legacy

Jacques Cartier was one of the most important explorers in Canadian history. He was the first European to explore the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He also made contact with the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and he learned about their culture and way of life.

Cartier's voyages helped to open up the New World to European exploration and colonization. He also played a role in the development of the fur trade, which became a major industry in Canada.

Jacques Cartier Facts for Kids

• Jacques Cartier was born in Saint-Malo, France, in 1491.
• Cartier made three voyages to the New World.
• Cartier was the first European to explore the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
• Cartier made contact with the Indigenous peoples of Canada, including the Iroquois and the Huron.
• Cartier died in Saint-Malo, France, in 1557.

Jacques Cartier Activities for Kids

• Make a model of one of Jacques Cartier's ships.
• Draw a map of Jacques Cartier's voyages.
• Write a story about Jacques Cartier's adventures.
• Visit a museum that has exhibits on Jacques Cartier.
• Read a book about Jacques Cartier.

Jacques Learns about Jacques Cartier

by Valerie Sherrard

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	25 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE