April 20, 1534 - September 5, 1534
Cartier went to Canada in 1534 with two ships and 61 men to look for a way to Asia. In the course of this search, he explored what later became known as Newfoundland, the Magdalen Islands, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspé Peninsula. While at Prince Edward Island, he traded with the Mi'kmaq. This was the first act of trade between the French and First Nations people.
The King Commands You
In 1534, the King of France, François I sent Cartier to "discover certain islands and lands where it is said there is a large amount of gold and other riches to be found."
Wanted for Kidnapping -- Jacques Cartier!
Jacques Cartier kidnapped two of Chief Donnacona's sons, Domagaya and Taignoagny, and set sail for France. Used to fresh air and wide, open spaces, just imagine how they must have felt about the horrors below deck.
In France, the young men were taken to a little seaport called St. Malo. It was September 1534. They spent the winter in a boarding house. When they realized that the Europeans were seeking gold, the brothers began to tell stories about the Kingdom of Saguenay where gold lay about like pebbles on a beach. They promised to show Cartier the place if he would take them home…
Their clever idea worked. In the spring, the young men boarded Cartier's ship for a return trip. They were back with their father by September 9, 1535.
Second Voyage
May 19, 1535 - July 16, 1536
The king of France, François I, sent Cartier back to Canada with three ships and 110 men. Cartier built a house and fort at Stadacona (where Quebec City is today). He then went down the St. Lawrence River to the Iroquois village of Hochelaga on what is now called Montreal Island.
Because of the ice, he had to stay in Canada for the winter. Many of his crew died of scurvy, a disease that is caused by a diet without vegetables and fruit. Finally, the Iroquois showed them how to make white cedar tea to cure it.
Going