The coin is round in shape with a raised rim on the obverse and the reverse. The coin’s edge is plain.
On the obverse, depicts the ship Jacques Cartier «Grande Hermine», as if it were inserted in a compass. Above the image - an abbreviation «RF» (République Française). Set the right denomination coins "50 EURO» in two lines.
On the reverse, depicts a portrait of JACQUES CARTIER. Next to the map - Globe, where it measures the distance of the compass. Inscription «CANADA». Along the left edge of the coin the inscription «GRANDS EXPLORATEURS» and «JACQUES CARTIER». At the bottom of the coin is engraved with the year of issue "2011".