- He was the first European to explore the Great Lakes region, including present-day Ontario, Michigan, and New York.
- He was the first European to travel the entire length of the St. Lawrence River.
- He was the first European to document the Niagara Falls.
- He was the first European to reach Lake Superior.
- He was the first European to encounter the Iroquois Confederacy.
- He was the first European to map the Great Lakes region.
- He was the first European to establish trade relations with the Native American tribes of the Great Lakes region.