Thegovernor of New France was theviceroy of theKing of France in North America. A Frenchnobleman, he was appointed to govern the colonies ofNew France, which includedCanada,Acadia andLouisiana. The residence of the Governor was at theChateau St. Louis in the capital ofQuebec City. Acadia, Louisiana, and the towns ofTrois-Rivières andMontreal had their own particular governors.
Prior to the establishment of the 1663Sovereign Council, the highest positions in New France were that ofGovernor andLieutenant-General, which were often held by the same person. The Governor then had responsibilities over both military and civil affairs in the colonies.
With the new royal administration of 1663, the title ofgovernor general was given to the person responsible for the military and diplomatic relations. The duties of administration of justice, police and finance were given to theIntendant, who presided over the Sovereign Council. The Governor General answered to the FrenchSecretary of State of the Navy and theController General of Finance.
Beginning withCharles de Montmagny,First Nations referred to the Governor asOnontio, meaning 'Great Mountain'. Each Onontio was the head of the Franco-Indian alliance.
| Office Holder | Term | Appointed by |
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| Cardinal Richelieu | 1627–1632 | Louis XIII |
| Samuel de Champlain | 1632–1635 | Louis XIII |
| Charles de Montmagny | 1635–1648 | Louis XIII |
| Louis d'Ailleboust de Coulonge | 1648–1651 | Louis XIV |
| Jean de Lauson | 1651–1657 | Louis XIV |
| Pierre de Voyer d'Argenson, Vicomte de Mouzay | 1657–1661 | Louis XIV |
| Pierre Dubois Davaugour | 1661–1663 | Louis XIV |
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| Preceded by | Governor of New France 1627–1663 | Succeeded by |
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