Étienne Bellenger

Étienne Bellenger was a merchant from Rouen, France who became an important figure in the early exploration of the Maritimes in Canada.

Bellenger was most likely, a general merchant who dealt indifferently in fish and furs. Cardinal Bourbon, archbishop of Rouen, decided to sponsor his trip to explore and trade along the coast of Nova Scotia. Bellenger was also charged with the establishment of a small outpost there, that is, the nucleus of a future colony that would combine fur trading and missionary activity in Acadia. In early 1583, the ship left for the New World and Bellenger explored and traded extensively keeping records about his findings.

Although the expedition failed to meet the expectations, it did provide meticulous description of the coast and a map of the New Scotia up to the Bay of Fundy.