Why was Samuel de Champlain was important to the European settlement of the Americas?

Samuel de Champlain was important to the European settlement of the Americas because he founded Quebec City in 1608, which was the first permanent French settlement in North America. He played a key role in establishing French interests in the region and in exploring and mapping the North American coastline. Champlain's efforts helped to secure French territorial claims in what is now Canada and the northeastern United States.