When did European immigrants begin to settle in areas now known as Canada?

European immigrants began to settle in areas that are now known as Canada primarily starting in the early 1600s. This period marks the establishment of permanent settlements, with the French founding Quebec in 1608, which was one of the first significant European colonies in North America. Before this time, there were some earlier contacts between European explorers and Indigenous peoples, but these did not lead to permanent settlements.

The 1600s saw the growth of the fur trade and significant interactions between European settlers, particularly the French and the British, and Indigenous communities. These interactions laid the groundwork for future Canadian society, culture, and economics. The focus on this period is essential as it highlights the beginning of a long history of European immigration and colonization that shaped Canada’s development.

While some explorers did arrive in the early 1500s, such as John Cabot in 1497, these visits did not lead to settlement and substantial colonization until later, making the 1600s a key timeframe for understanding the European influence on Canadian history.