30,000–15,000 B.C.

The first people arrive in the area. They had crossed a land bridge from northeast Asia to North America.

A.D. 1000

The Vikings explore what is now Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

1497

Explorer John Cabot sails to Canada's east coast and claims it for England.

1534

Explorer Jacques Cartier claims the area now known as Quebec for France. He uses the Huron-Iroquois word for village or community, "kanata," to describe it.

1763

The Treaty of Paris ends seven years of fighting between France and England. France gives its Canadian settlements to England.

1867

Colonies now known as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec join to create the Dominion of Canada. Its government is similar to Britain's and includes a governor-general, who represents Britain's royalty.

1873

Canada creates the North-West Mounted Police, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or Mounties, to help keep order.

1959

The St. Lawrence Seaway opens, allowing cargo ships to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.

1965

Canada flies its red and white maple leaf flag for the first time.

1969

English and French become Canada's official languages.

1976

Montreal hosts the Summer Olympics.

1982

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms becomes the law of the land. It outlines rights for all Canadians.

1994

Canada, Mexico and the U.S. sign the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under the treaty, certain goods traded between the countries are tax-free.

2010

Canada hosts the Winter Olympics, in Vancouver.