The vessels which were equipped for the expedition were ready to sail on March 1st, 1611.  The passage was very rough, and when about eight leagues distant from the Great Banks of Newfoundland, the vessels were in great danger through the number of icebergs which were encountered.  The cold was so intense that it was found difficult to navigate the vessel.  While in the vicinity of Newfoundland, they communicated with a French ship, on board of which was Biencourt, son of Poutrincourt, who was bound for Port Royal to meet his father.  He had left France three months previously, and had been unable to find his way to the Acadian coast.

After having sighted Gaspe, Champlain arrived at Tadousac on May 13th, where he found all the country covered with snow.  The savages were informed of Champlain’s arrival by cannon shot, and they soon made their appearance.  They stated that three or four trading vessels had arrived within the last eight days, but that their business had been a failure on account of the scarcity of furs.

Champlain proceeded at once to Quebec, where he found everything in good order, and neither du Parc nor his companions had suffered from any sickness.  Game had been abundant during the whole winter.  Champlain intended to visit Three Rivers, but Batiscan said that he would not be prepared to conduct him there until next year.  As he was unable to carry out his designs, Champlain took with him Savignon and one Frenchman, and visited the great fall.  He made a careful examination of the country, and says:—­

“But in all that I saw I found no place more favourable than a little spot to which barques and shallops can easily ascend with the help of a strong wind, or by taking a winding course, in consequence of the strong current.  But above this place, which we named La Place Royale, at the distance of a league from Mont Royal, there are a great many little rocks and shoals which are very dangerous....  Formerly savages tilled these lands....  There is a large number of other fine pastures, where any number of cattle can graze....  After a careful examination, we found this place one of the finest on this river.  I accordingly gave orders to cut down and clear up the woods in the Place Royale, so as to level it and prepare it for building.”

This was the beginning of Montreal, the wealthiest city of Canada.

Champlain constructed a wall four feet thick, three or four feet high, and thirty feet long.  This fort was placed on an elevation twelve feet higher than the level of the soil, so that it was safe from inundation.  Champlain named the island Ste. Helene, in honour of his wife, and he found that a strong town could be built there.  To-day this island is a favourite resort for the inhabitants of Montreal, and it is an ornament to the harbour of the large city.