Which explorer is credited with exploring the St. Lawrence River valley?

Jacques Cartier is credited with exploring the St. Lawrence River valley because he was the first European to navigate this area in the early 16th century. Cartier made significant voyages to Canada between 1534 and 1542, during which he explored parts of what is now Quebec. His exploration established French claims to the territory and laid the groundwork for subsequent French colonization. Cartier's expeditions up the St. Lawrence River allowed him to interact with Indigenous peoples and gather important information about the land, which was crucial for future exploration and settlement. The St. Lawrence River was a vital pathway for trade and communication and remains an important cultural and economic artery in Canada today.