Final answer:
The first European settlers in Canada were from France, who established the colony of Quebec in 1608, after prior efforts in Nova Scotia. Portugal and Spain were leaders in the era of Atlantic exploration, with Spain setting up the first permanent settlement in North America in 1565.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first European settlers in Canada came from France. French explorers established the settlement of Quebec in 1608, following earlier efforts to build a fort in what is now Nova Scotia in 1604. The era of Atlantic exploration was initiated by Portugal and Spain, with Portugal playing a particularly significant role after the voyage of Bartholomew Diaz in 1488. England did not establish its first enduring settlement until the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. Spain was the first to establish a permanent European settlement in North America, in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. The impact of these early settlements continues to be felt, as they laid the foundations for the development of modern-day Canada and influenced the cultural and societal landscapes of North America.