This document provides historical research from the earliest French experiences on the upper North American peninsula through today. Approximately 50 maps have been provided outlining the evolution of information that has been collected by those who sought to explore the region. Most of these explorers were trading company employees who were hired as scientists to map out the best trade routes across this massive land. Later mapping expeditions were carried out by the government. Over time inventions such as the printing machine and better transportation allowed more information to be collected which produced better quality maps. These higher quality maps played a significant role in the way Canada was settled. The maps are presented in five sections: (1) The West before Exploration and Settlement, Maps 1-6; (2) Exploration through the Arctic, Maps 7-14; (3) Exploration and Settlement by Sea, Maps 15-31; (4) Exploration Overland, Maps 32-44; and (5) The Settlement Period, Maps 45-50. (JAG)