De Champlain was the first European to explore and map the area around Georgian Bay (1615-16), called it La Mer douce (the calm sea). Samuel de Champlain (August 13, 1574 - December 25, 1635) was a French navigator and explorer. He founded New France and Quebec City, and made the first accurate map of the coast and helped establish the settlements. In 1620, Louis XIII ordered Champlain to cease exploration, and devote himself to the administration of the country. He established trading companies that sent goods to France, and oversaw the growth of New France. Illustration by Charles William Jefferys, undated (cropped and cleaned).