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Jun 24, 1497
John Cabot Claims The Atlantic Coast
On June 24th, 1497 John Cabot dropped his anchor on the Atlantic coast of North America, declaring the land England’s. England became interested in the fishery industry in Atlantic Canada, particularly due to Cabot's discovery. -
Jul 24, 1534
Jacques Cartier Lands at Gaspé
On July 24th, 1534 Jacques Cartier was among the earliest Europeans to explore the Gulf of the St. Lawrence River. During his second voyage in 1535, Cartier learned the Iroquoian word for village, "kanata," and recorded it in his journal. Later, the name Canada was included on the 1547 Harleian world map, indicating the land to the north of the St. Lawrence. -
Fur Trade Becomes a Vast Commercial Enterprise
Between the 1600s and the 1800s, the fur trade played a significant role in Canada's history. It was a major business that relied heavily on Indigenous technology and knowledge. Both Europeans and Indigenous people needed each other for the trade to be successful and for their survival in the new land. -
Founding of Quebec
On July 3rd, 1608 Samuel de Champlain established a fortified trading post at Québec, which became a hub for the fur trade and served as the base for his vision of colonizing the remote country. His choice of Québec as a strategic location ensured the safety of traders, attracted settlers, and maximized French influence in the region. -
Samuel de Champlain & First Nations Allies Battle the Haudenosaunee
On July 30th, 1609 The colonial leader Samuel de Champlain explored the traditional land of the Haudenosaunee people. On July 30th, Champlain and his First Nations allies fought against the Haudenosaunee, starting a 150-year-long war between the Haudenosaunee and French colonial forces. -
Hudson's Bay Company is Established
On May 2nd, 1670 The Hudson's Bay Company was created, becoming a dominant force in the fur trade and bringing a lot more goods into the market. For many years, blankets, including the famous HBC Point Blanket created in 1779 and still sold today, are traded extensively. While some view these blankets as culturally significant, others see them as a reminder of colonialism's impact. -
Seven Years War Begins
On May 1st, 1756 The Seven Years' War was the first major war that happened all around the world, including Europe, India, America, and also on the seas. In North America, Britain and France, along with Indigenous allies, fought to gain control. In the end, with the Treaty of Paris, France officially gives up Canada to the British. -
Battle of the Plains of Abraham
On September 13th, 1759 During the night of September 12-13, General James Wolfe and his soldiers took advantage of an unguarded footpath and prepared for battle near the fortress walls. The next morning, Montcalm launched an attack, but his troops were overwhelmed, leading to the capture of Québec by the British. Sadly, both generals lost their lives during the battle. -
American Invasion Falls
On December 31st, 1775 During a siege on Québec, American forces attempted a risky night attack but ultimately failed. The attack caused many casualties, including American General Richard Montgomery who lost his life. The French habitants, who the Americans were hoping would help them, did not provide the support they needed. As a result, Canada remained in British control. -
First Elections in Lower Canada
On June 11th, 1792 In Lower Canada, the very first elections are held. All individuals who are at least 21 years old and own enough property, including women, have the right to vote. -
Battle of Queenston Heights
On October 13th, 1812 American soldiers crossed the Niagara River and launched an attack on Queenston Heights. Major-General Brock bravely led the troops into battle but tragically sustained mortal wounds. Although the battle seemed lost, Grand River Mohawk warriors, led by John Norton, stopped the American forces from retreating for several hours. Finally, Major-General Roger Sheaffe arrived with reinforcements and compelled over 1,000 American soldiers to surrender. -
War of 1812 Comes to an End
On February 15th, 1815 The War of 1812 came to an end with the signing of the peace Treaty of Ghent. Unfortunately, the First Nations allies of the British and Canadian side were greatly affected. They lost many of their warriors, including the great Tecumseh, and any hope of stopping American expansion in the west was lost. Additionally, their vital contributions to the war effort were not acknowledged by their allies and were quickly forgotten. -
Cholera Epidemic Spreads
On January 1st, 1832 Grosse Île, close to Québec, was established as a quarantine station during the cholera outbreaks. All ships were required to stop there for inspection. The government set up this station in an effort to control the disease, which claimed the lives of up to 10% of the population. However, despite their efforts, the station ultimately proved ineffective in combating the spread of cholera. -
Abolition of Slavery Act
On August 1st, 1834 During this time, Black individuals were recognized as British subjects, which allowed Black men who own property to have the right to vote. However, racism and discrimination at polling stations prevent many Black people from exercising their voting rights. -
Women's Voting Rights Removed in the Province of Canada
On May 1st, 1849 The Province of Canada authorized legislation that establishes a law prohibiting women from exercising their right to vote. -
British North America Act
On March 8th, 1867 The British North America Act, which received royal consent from Queen Victoria on March 29 and became effective on July 1, was passed by the British Parliament. This Act united the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single federal union. Subsequently, Newfoundland became Canada's newest province in 1949, while Nunavut became the country's newest territory in 1999, granting self-governance to the Inuit population of the region.