In 1635 he began teaching at various Jesuit colleges, studied philosophy at Billom and theology at Tournon.
In July 1660, on a return from Trois-Rivières with Governor Voyer d'Argenson, their boat was attacked by Iroquois.
Albanel met Ménard at Montreal and was to accompany him, but the Ottawa objected to his Indian companion and they were not allowed to join the group.
The following spring he headed north and received reports of English fur traders in Hudson's Bay.
On his journey to England he induced Medard des Groseilliers to return to the French service.
The Charles Albanel rose, developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, was named in his honour.