Here he intended to examine the three rapids or "saults"-- interruptions to the navigation of the St.Lawrence--which he had observed on his previous journey, and which were later named the La Chine Rapids (in the belief that they were obstacles on the river route to China).

But these falls proved insuperable obstacles to his boats, and he gave up any further idea of westward exploration, returned to his forts and ships near Quebec, and there laid the foundations of a fortified town, which he called Charlesbourg Royal.
Here he spent a very difficult winter, the Hurons in the neighbourhood becoming increasingly hostile, and at last, when the spring came, as he had received no relief from France, he took to his three ships, abandoned Charlesbourg Royal (having probably to do some fighting before he could get safely away) and thence sailed for France.

Off the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland he met the other ships of the expedition which was to have occupied Canada for France.

These were under the command of the Sieur de Roberval, a French nobleman, who had really been made head of the whole enterprise, with Cartier as a subordinate officer, but who, the year before, had allowed Cartier to go off to Canada and prepare the way, promising to follow immediately.
The interview between Cartier and Roberval, near where the capital of Newfoundland (St.John's) now stands, was a stormy one.

Roberval ordered Cartier to return at once to Charlesbourg and await his arrival.