Census records

Find census records for people living in what is now called Ontario from 1796 to 1931.

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About our census holdings

Our census holdings span from 1796 to 1901. They include:

  • district and township censuses
  • territorial (Upper Canada) censuses
  • provincial (Canada West) censuses
  • aggregated censuses created from local collection rolls

After 1867, responsibility for taking the census fell to the federal government. We hold copies of the 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901 Canadian census, which can also be found online through Library and Archives Canada.

You can find most of our census records on microfilm for in-person research. Where only the original census record is available, you’ll need to request to view it in advance of your visit.

Find access information on the record descriptions in Collection Search.

Pre-1851 census records

Census records from before 1851 are sporadic in nature and follow patterns of settlement.

They typically provide only statistical information or names of the family head of household. Most do not list household members.

Census records after 1851

Find Canada West and Ontario census returns from 1851 to 1931 online at Library and Archives Canada or access up to 1901 on microfilm in our Reading Room by consulting the Ontario Census Returns, 1842 to 1901 binder in the Reading Room.

The 1851 census was the first to be compiled by the Province of Canada and established the process for taking the modern Canadian census.

The type and the amount of information vary from one census to another.

Personal census returns usually recorded:

  • the person’s age
  • country of birth or origin
  • religion
  • occupation

Agricultural returns counted for each farm the:

  • concession and lot
  • number and type of buildings
  • livestock

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or want to conduct further research, you can try researching related records.

Birth, marriage and death registrations
The Province of Ontario has registered the births, marriages and deaths of residents since 1869.

Other records of vital events
These include records of births, marriages and deaths kept by religious congregations as well as some court records and cemetery records.

Get research help

We can point you to resources to help you with your research. Contact us.

For professional research help, we have a list of private companies and freelance researchers who can do research on your behalf.