Cartier's most significant contribution was his detailed mapping of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas. His maps and descriptions provided valuable information for future explorers and settlers.

Although the exact origin is debated, Cartier is often credited with popularizing the name 'Canada' for the region, derived from the Iroquoian word 'kanata' meaning 'village' or 'settlement'.

Although his own colonization efforts failed, Cartier's voyages paved the way for future French colonization of Canada in the 17th century. His explorations established a French claim to the territory and provided essential knowledge about the land and its people.

Cartier remains a significant figure in Canadian history, but his legacy is also subject to debate. He is celebrated for his explorations, but criticized for his treatment of the Indigenous peoples, including his kidnapping of Donnacona and others. His story highlights the complex and often problematic relationship between European explorers and the Indigenous populations of North America.