Brûlé was born c. 1592 in Champigny-sur-Marne, France. Brûlé has not left any recollection or description of his early life, his life among the indigenous peoples, or of his expeditions. Therefore, his existence has been viewed through the works of Champlain, Sagard, and Brébeuf. He came to Canada when he was only 16 years old.
Étienne Brûlé was one of the first settlers of Quebec. In 1612, while living with the Hurons in the vicinity of Georgian Bay, Brulé probably saw that part of Lake Huron and was thus the first European to see one of the Great Lakes. He may also have discovered Lake Ontario in 1615. Brulé's other explorations, which are difficult to trace accurately, carried him to lakes Erie and Superior as well, and on one mission for Champlain he followed the course of the Susquehanna River to its outlet in Chesapeake Bay. In 1629 he deserted to the English and piloted the fleet of Sir David Kirke from the Saguenay to Quebec, helping the English to capture several French outposts. He later returned to live among the Hurons, who killed him in 1633.
