Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and cartographer, played a crucial role in the establishment of Québec City in 1608. After earlier explorations of North America, Champlain recognized the significance of this location at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saint Charles River. His decision to build a settlement here was strategic, as it provided access to key trade routes and natural resources. Upon his arrival, Champlain and his men constructed a fort, which they named 'La Nouvelle-France,' marking the genesis of a town that would become the heart of French colonial efforts in the Americas.

The site of Québec City was inhabited by Indigenous peoples who had lived in the region for centuries. Champlain sought to foster a cooperative relationship with them, which would facilitate fur trading and mutual defense against British encroachments. This relationship was paramount, as it laid the groundwork for alliances that would shape the region's dynamics for years to come. Champlain also expressed interest in converting Indigenous populations to Christianity, which was a common motive for many European settlers during this era.

The establishment of Québec City had lasting implications for both European settlers and Indigenous communities. Over the decades, it evolved into a political, economic, and cultural center for New France, serving as a pivotal base for further exploration into the continent. The city's fortifications would be a focal point during future conflicts, chiefly those between French, British, and Indigenous forces. As such, the foundation of Québec City is emblematic of a new chapter not only for France's colonial ambitions but also for shaping the identity of Canada as we know it today.