Which French explorer founded Quebec City in 1608?

Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608. He established the settlement on 3 July at a strategic point along the St. Lawrence River, beginning the permanent French presence that became New France.

Champlain was an explorer, cartographer, navigator, and colonial administrator. He worked with Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons, whose company sponsored the expedition, and built a trading post known as l'Habitation. The location offered a defensible position and access to the river’s major transportation route.

Quebec’s early years were difficult: of the 28 men who wintered there, 20 died from disease and harsh conditions. Champlain also formed alliances with Innu, Algonquin, and Wendat peoples, relationships that helped the settlement survive. A common mix-up is Jacques Cartier, who visited the area in 1535 but did not found the permanent city. Quebec City later became the capital and principal stronghold of New France.