Jacques Cartier

First Voyage (1534): Exploring the Gulf of St. Lawrence

This timeline details Jacques Cartier's first major voyage to North America, commissioned by King Francis I of France, with the goal of finding a westward passage to Asia.

Departure from Saint-Malo

April 20, 1534

Cartier set sail from Saint-Malo with two ships and a crew of 61 men.

Arrival in Newfoundland

May 10, 1534

Cartier reached Newfoundland and explored the Strait of Belle Isle.

Contact with Indigenous Peoples (Mi'kmaq and Iroquoians)

July 1534

Cartier encountered Mi'kmaq peoples in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He later met a group of St. Lawrence Iroquoians at Chaleur Bay. He traded with both groups, establishing initial, though potentially tense, interactions. Cartier erected a cross at Gaspé Bay, claiming the territory for France. He kidnapped Domagaya and Taignoagny, sons of Chief Donnacona.

Exploration of the Gulf of St. Lawrence

August 1534

Cartier explored the Gulf of St. Lawrence, charting the coastline and searching for a passage to the west. He named various places, including the Îles de la Madeleine.

Return to Saint-Malo

September 5, 1534

Cartier returned to France with Domagaya and Taignoagny, providing King Francis I with information about the new land.