The first European settlers in what is now Canada were:

Question: The first European settlers in what is now Canada were:

Answer options:

• The British in Halifax ✅ The French in Acadia and along the St. Lawrence
• The Spanish in Newfoundland
• The Dutch in Quebec

Correct answer: The French in Acadia and along the St. Lawrence

Explanation: The French established the first permanent European settlements in Canada during the early 1600s, beginning in Acadia and along the St. Lawrence River under leaders like Samuel de Champlain. In contrast, the British did not establish Halifax until 1749, the Dutch never settled Quebec, and Spanish presence was limited to seasonal whaling in Newfoundland rather than permanent colonization. According to the Discover Canada guide, French explorers and colonizers initiated the first lasting European communities in these territories. For exam day, candidates must recognize the timeline of early European colonization and distinguish between the historical settlement patterns of the French and British.