Initial Probes 1497 to 1501

View this map

---

Abstract

This map shows the first phase of exploration of what is now Canada, which was largely confined to the east coast of the island of Newfoundland and to southeastern Labrador. Shown here are the routes of three explorers: Cabot (1497), Corte-Real (1500 to 1501) and Fernandes (1500). The map also shows the extent of territory known to Europeans in the period 1497 to 1650; and the navigation of all exploration routes during the period of maritime exploration between 1497 and 1599. The historical names found on the map are derived from contemporaneous maps and written documents of the period.

---

In March 1496, King Henry VII of England empowered John Cabot to seek a route to Asia north of the Spanish Caribbean discoveries. His 1497 voyage out of Bristol resulted in the news that the land had been found '1800 miles' west of southern Ireland, an estimate only 160 kilometres more than the true distance. It is certain that Bristol fishermen had been to these coasts well before Cabot. Worried that the English were making discoveries in lands assigned to Portugal under the Treaty of Tordeseillas (1494), King Dom Manoel dispatched a series of expeditions by Portuguese mariners from Terceira in the Azores. They rediscovered Greenland, forgotten since the demise of the Viking colonies, and the eastern coast of Newfoundland claiming it for Portugal.

[D]
Click for more information, 43 KB
Cabot Sights Newfoundland 1497

The immediate result of these discoveries was a rapid development of the Bristol and Portuguese fishing industry off Newfoundland. By 1504 French Normans were also involved, followed closely by Bretons and at a somewhat later date by Basques. The latter two groups were probably doing some occasional fur trading with the Micmac of Cape Breton Island before the 1520s. It is likely that by this time fishing vessels were penetrating into the unknown waters off Labrador and southern Newfoundland.

Voyages of Exploration

An audio description for each voyage of exploration shown on this map can be accessed from the list below or through the map using Get Statistics.

• 1497 John Cabot (of Genoa, Italy; for England)
• 1500 João Fernandes (of Terceira, Azores, for Portugal)
• 1500 to 1501 Gaspar Corte-Real (of Terceira, Azores; for Portugal)

The descriptions of the voyages of exploration are based on research by C.E. Heidenreich, Department of Geography, York University. An audio version of each description can be played as the user follows the exploration route made by the explorer on the map.

The Atlas of Canada relies on Apple’s QuickTime technology for the delivery of multimedia content. The Atlas of Canada media player will attempt to detect whether you have the necessary software installed, and will give you notice if you do not. In order to play the Atlas multimedia content, you must install the QuickTime player. For general information on QuickTime before downloading go to: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/products/