Sent abroad from his native Montreal to complete his education, Logan established a reputation as a map maker and geologist in the mining districts of Wales which led to his appointment as the first Director of the Geological Survey of Canada in 1842. He supervised, and personally conducted much of the early scientific mapping of the province, and made the collection of Canadian minerals which became the basis of the National Museum. The first Canadian man of science to gain international recognition, he is commemorated by two mountains bearing his name, one in Gaspé and one in the Yukon. He died in Wales.