Samuel de Champlain was a French explorer and cartographer born in 1570. He is best known for founding the city of Quebec in 1608, which became a key settlement in New France. Champlain played a significant role in mapping the regions of North America and establishing trade routes. Champlain is often referred to as the "Father of New France" due to his efforts in promoting French colonization. He formed alliances with various Indigenous peoples, including the Huron and Algonquin, which helped him in his explorations and in the fur trade, a vital part of the economy in the region.