Accessing Our Collections

You can access and search the collections at the Archives of Ontario with the help of the databases, research guides and tools, and resources, as described in the links below.
Learn more about what we have.
Read our Statement on Language and Description for information about how our staff describe the materials in our collections.
If you require assistance using these tools or accessing our collections, please contact us.

AIMS
Search archival, library and art collections using the new Archives and Information Management System (AIMS). AIMS replaces the Archives Descriptive Database, the BIBLiON Library Catalogue Database, the Government of Ontario Art Collection Database, and the Visual Database. AIMS provides integrated access to all of these collections.

LEARN MORE about AIMS

As of September 29, 2022 the Archives of Ontario has launched the Archives and Information Management System (AIMS). The AIMS integrates the Archives Descriptive Database, the BIBLiON Library Catalogue, the Government of Ontario Art Collection (GOAC) and the Visual Database into one online tool. As a result, you may encounter broken links to the old databases on our website. We are working at updating these links to the AIMS. If you encounter a broken link and need assistance, please contact us.

Vital Statistics: Birth, Marriage,
and Death Registrations

The Archives of Ontario holds historic birth, marriage and death records.

Follow this link to various guides and tools designed to assist you in your research or to provide information about the Archives' policies and services.

Explore some of our most popular microfilm collections online! FamilySearch International has digitized these collections for you to access free of charge through the FamilySearch website. Learn more.

The Microfilm Interloan Service allows you to borrow microfilmed archival records through a library or another institution belonging to the interlibrary loan network.

This database is an index to the four volumes of assisted immigration registers created by the Toronto Emigrant Office between 1865 and 1883.

Second Heir and Devisee
Commission Case Files Database

This database is an index to the 5184 case files that document claims made to the second Heir and Devisee Commission. To learn about the database, click here.

Black and White Aerial Forestry Photographs

This interface serves as an index to the Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) aerial photography collection (RG 1-429-7).

A Guide to Boundaries, Names and Regional Governments as they have evolved over time.

View actual 'born-digital' archival records from government and private donors that have been acquired by the Archives of Ontario.

Access digital copies of select Ontario government publications from the Archives of Ontario’s library collection, including Ontario budgets and Ministry of Finance taxation studies and reports.

The Archives of Ontario has rich holdings relating to black history in the province, click here to learn more.

The War of 1812 had long term effects on the province of Ontario. The Archives is highlighting some of its extensive resources relating to the war.

Commemorating the Hundredth
Anniversary of World War I

The Archives of Ontario has a wealth of materials relating to World War I. We have created a page that highlights and provides links to many of these resources.

Our new Franco-Ontarian resource page provides easier access to listings of our related holdings, online exhibits, and information about government services for Franco-Ontarians.

View and download Archives of Ontario data sets in the Government of Ontario Data catalogue.

Research Guides, Tools and Resources

Vital Statistics: Birth, Marriage,
and Death Registrations

Research Guides and Tools

Access Our Digitized Microfilm Collections on FamilySearch

Microfilm Interloan Catalogue

Immigration Records

Second Heir and Devisee
Commission Case Files Database

Black and White Aerial Forestry Photographs

The Changing Shape of Ontario

Digital Records Online

Digitized Government Publications

Black History Resources

The War of 1812

World War I Resources

Franco-Ontarian Resource Page

Open Data