The Canadian censuses are a key starting point for Canadians interested in discovering their family story. They provide vital details such as names of spouses, immigration years, occupations and so much more. Here you will find our comprehensive census records ranging from early Pre-Confederation to 1921, all fully searchable and indexed.
These newly added census records are the oldest Canadian censuses on Ancestry and reveal information about some of the earliest immigrants to Lower Canada (now known as Quebec). These include details about immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland landing in cities like Montreal and Quebec City.
Region Covered: Districts in Quebec
Interesting Facts: Many Irish came to Quebec after an early famine in the 1820s.
Search nowRegion Covered: Districts in Quebec
Interesting Facts: The first census after the Act of Union created the Province of Canada, consisting of Canada West (present-day Ontario) and Canada East (present-day Quebec).
Search nowRegion Covered: Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Interesting Facts: Census wasn’t taken until January 1852
Search nowRegion Covered: Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Interesting Facts: American Civil War — 1861; 1866/70 — Fenian Raids
Search nowRegion Covered: Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Bruns
Interesting Facts: Questionnaire available in French and English; Labrador was part of Quebec in 1871
Search nowRegion Covered: Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, PEI, British Columbia and Northwest Territories
Interesting Facts: Starting with this census year, all original census returns were destroyed
Search nowRegion Covered: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Interesting Facts:1900 to 1910 — Settlement of the West
Search nowRegion Covered: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Interesting Facts: Mother Tongue was indicated due to large increase of immigration from other parts
Search nowA Canadian author best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables. The enumerator struck out her occupation as an author because women couldn’t have an occupation.
The 15th Prime Minister of Canada and credited with establishing the Charter of Rights and Freedoms within Canada's constitution. He was just two years of age when the 1921 census was conducted.
A Canadian heroine. Warned Lietenant Fitzgibbon herself of a surprise American attack, which would have furthered American control in the Niagara Peninsula.
The seventh Prime Minister of Canada and the first French Speaking Prime Minister of Canada.
The first black Canadian-born Olympic medallist. Lewis was nicknamed Rapid Ray because of his speed on the track.
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