By this time, doubtless, Cartier had realized that the voyage would not result in the discovery of the passage to the East.

But, anxious not to return home without having some success to report, he was in any case prepared to winter in the New Land.

Even though he did not find the passage, it was better to remain long enough to explore the lands in the basin of the great river than to return home without adding anything to the exploits of the previous voyage.
The expedition moved westward up the St Lawrence, the first week's sail bringing them as far as the Saguenay.

On the way Cartier put in at Bic Islands, and christened them in honour of St John.

Finding here but scanty shelter and a poor anchorage, he went on without further delay to the Saguenay, the mouth of which he reached on September 1.