Who led the expedition that marked the beginning of European exploration of Canada in 1497?

John Cabot, an Italian who sailed for the English Crown, led the expedition that Discover Canada identifies as the start of European exploration. The guide notes: "the expedition of John Cabot, who was the" first European explorer (in this context).

French exploration came shortly after. Between 1534 and 1542, Jacques Cartier made voyages, claiming land for King Francis I of France. Cartier heard the Iroquoian word for "village" and used it to name the country.

So Canada's recorded European exploration history begins with John Cabot, with French exploration under Jacques Cartier following soon after.

Cabot's expedition is significant because it predates French settlement and laid the foundation for the later British presence in the region. Discover Canada uses both Cabot and Cartier to mark the early phase of European involvement, before the deeper colonization of the 1600s.

For the test, knowing that Cabot represents the beginning of European exploration — distinct from Cartier's later French expeditions — is essential.