French vs. British (1608–1867)
Canada's colonial history is marked by the struggle between France and Great Britain for dominance over North America. New France (Nouvelle-France) stretched from the Saint Lawrence River to Louisiana, while the British controlled the Atlantic coast and Hudson Bay. The fur trade — especially beaver pelts — was the engine of colonization: The Hudson's Bay Company (founded in 1670, today the department store chain "The Bay") and the French coureurs des bois (woodsmen) competed for the favor of indigenous trading partners.
In 1759, the decision came: In the Battle of the Plains of Abraham before Québec City, the British under General Wolfe defeated the French under Montcalm. Both generals died in the battle. With the Treaty of Paris (1763), all of New France fell to Great Britain. But the French culture survived: The Quebec Act of 1774 guaranteed the French Canadians the retention of their language, civil law, and Catholic religion — a compromise that still shapes Canada today.
On July 1, 1867, Canada became an autonomous dominion through the British North America Act — a kind of independent state within the British Empire. The four founding provinces: Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. By 1949, the remaining provinces joined (Newfoundland being the last).
💡 Tipp
The Plains of Abraham in Québec City are now a beautiful park — ideal for picnicking with a view of the Saint Lawrence River. In summer, festivals and concerts take place here. The Musée des plaines d'Abraham tells the dramatic battle history (14 CAD).
