Exploring Early Canada: Motives & Settlements

Which of the following was a main motive for European exploration in early Canada?

• To find new spices for cooking

• To find a route to Asia and access valuable resources

• To escape from cold weather

• To learn new languages

Answer explanation

The main motive for European exploration in early Canada was to find a route to Asia and access valuable resources, such as spices and gold, which were highly sought after during that time.

Who was the French explorer that founded the first permanent French settlement in Canada at Québec in 1608?

• John Cabot

• Samuel de Champlain

• Henry Hudson

• Étienne Brûlé

Answer explanation

Samuel de Champlain founded the first permanent French settlement in Canada at Québec in 1608, establishing a crucial foothold for France in North America, unlike the other explorers listed.

The Norse, also known as Vikings, established a settlement in which present-day Canadian province?

• Ontario

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• British Columbia

• Manitoba

Answer explanation

The Norse, or Vikings, established a settlement known as L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland and Labrador, making it the first known European settlement in North America.

Which of the following was a key reason for the establishment of permanent European settlements in early Canada?

• To build amusement parks

• To trade furs and other resources

• To escape taxes

• To avoid wild animals

Answer explanation

The establishment of permanent European settlements in early Canada was primarily driven by the lucrative fur trade and the demand for resources, making 'To trade furs and other resources' the correct choice.

John Cabot, an explorer sent by England, is best known for:

• Discovering gold mines in Alberta

• Exploring the coast of Newfoundland

• Building the first railway in Canada

• Climbing the Rocky Mountains

Answer explanation

John Cabot is best known for exploring the coast of Newfoundland in 1497, which was significant for England's claims in North America. The other options do not relate to his achievements.

Which explorer is credited with being the first European to travel deep into the interior of Canada and live among Indigenous peoples?

• Étienne Brûlé

• Henry Hudson

• Jacques Cartier

• Pierre de Mons

Answer explanation

Étienne Brûlé is recognized as the first European to venture deep into Canada's interior and live among Indigenous peoples, establishing important relationships and insights into their cultures.

The fur trade was important to early European settlers in Canada because:

• It allowed them to make friends with the French

• It was a valuable business that brought wealth and goods

• It helped them learn to swim

• It was a way to avoid farming

Answer explanation

The fur trade was crucial for early European settlers in Canada as it provided a lucrative business opportunity, generating wealth and goods, which was essential for their survival and economic growth.

Which explorer sailed up the St. Lawrence River and claimed land for France in the 1500s?

• Samuel de Champlain

• Jacques Cartier

• Henry Hudson

• John Cabot

Answer explanation

Jacques Cartier was the explorer who sailed up the St. Lawrence River in the 1500s and claimed land for France, making him a key figure in the early exploration of Canada.

Why did Henry Hudson explore the area now known as Hudson Bay?

• He was searching for a Northwest Passage to Asia

• He wanted to find gold

• He was looking for new farmland

• He wanted to meet the Norse settlers

Answer explanation

Henry Hudson explored the area now known as Hudson Bay primarily in search of a Northwest Passage to Asia, a route that would allow for faster trade with the East, rather than for gold, farmland, or Norse settlers.

Pierre de Mons played an important role in early Canadian history by:

• Leading the first English settlement in Canada

• Helping to establish the first permanent French settlement at Port Royal

• Discovering the Great Lakes

• Building the first school in Canada

Answer explanation

Pierre de Mons was instrumental in establishing the first permanent French settlement at Port Royal in 1605, which laid the foundation for future French presence in Canada.