<P> Starting in the late 15th century , French and British expeditions explored , colonized , and fought over various places within North America in what constitutes present - day Canada . The colony of New France was established in 1534 and was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1763 after the French defeat in the Seven Years ' War . The now British Province of Quebec was divided into Upper and Lower Canada in 1791 and reunified in 1841 . In 1867 , the Province of Canada was joined with two other British colonies of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia through Confederation , forming a self - governing entity named Canada . The new dominion expanded by incorporating other parts of British North America , finishing with Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949 . </P>
<P> Starting in the late 15th century , French and British expeditions explored , colonized , and fought over various places within North America in what constitutes present - day Canada . The colony of New France was established in 1534 and was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1763 after the French defeat in the Seven Years ' War . The now British Province of Quebec was divided into Upper and Lower Canada in 1791 and reunified in 1841 . In 1867 , the Province of Canada was joined with two other British colonies of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia through Confederation , forming a self - governing entity named Canada . The new dominion expanded by incorporating other parts of British North America , finishing with Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949 . </P>
which country established colonies in present day canada
which country established colonies in present day canada
the United Kingdom France
the United Kingdom France