Spanish Explorations on the West Coast of Canada

On the occasion of 250th anniversary of Juan Pérez’s exploration, Spanish professor Antonio Cazorla (Modern History, University of Trent) will give a conference on Spanish explorations in Canada, focusing on the shared history and Spain’s presence in Canada.

Juan Pérez sailing on the frigate Santiago with a crew made up mostly of Mexicans was the first non-native to sight, examine, name, and record the islands near British Columbia, including what are now Vancouver Island and Queen Charlotte Island.

Pérez sailed from Mexico on behalf of Spain, reaching the Pacific Northwest during the summer of 1774. He visited Nootka Sound, and named what is now Mount Olympus in Washington state as Cerro Nevada de Santa Rosalia. He sighted the Strait of Juan de Fuca and much of the coastal territory of present-day Washington.

Pérez was the first European to see and describe Yaquina Head off what we now know as the Oregon coast. He sailed farther along the coastal stretch of California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Alaska than any sailor had done before him. During this mission he peacefully traded with the Haida, carefully recorded facets of their customs and culture, and mapped and recorded nautical details for others who soon followed his heroic and historic accomplishments.formative, and engaging discourse.