Charles Albanel was born in 1616 in Ardes, France, and he died on 11 January 1696 (aged 80 years) in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. A French missionary who explored Canada, Charles spent many winters with Montagnais Indians and learnt about their customs. He led a party that went by Saguenay River and may have been the first European to reach Hudson Bay. He took on other expeditions to explore the then unknown area. After returning in 1688 to Canada, he served at missions in Western Canada and died at Sault Ste. Marie. Lake Albanel, which runs parallel is named after him.
Do you know: Charles Albanel was captured by the English and taken to England where he convinced his captor to send him back to France.
