Do you have Ontario ancestors? Are you looking to start or to continue researching your family history? With rich archives, helpful organizations, and unique local records, you’re in the right place to start your family history journey.
Genealogy is one of the fastest growing pasttimes in North America these days! With the addition of many resources online and available around the world, it makes the study of our ancestors and enjoyable way to spend time. Once you start, you will get very excited with each piece of information you find that gives you an insight into your ancestors lives.
But where do you start? These are just a few tips to get you off on the right foot when starting off in genealogy and when looking for your ancestors in Ontario:
The OGS has the following pair of books by Dr. Fraser Dunford: The Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy and The Beginner’s Guide to Ontario Genealogy. Also, Brenda Dougall Merriman’s Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records gives details about the sources a family historian seeks.
The OGS website has tons of information online – you should feel free to search and utilize all that it has to offer. Specifically – the TONI index, Canadian Genealogist back issues, Families Journal back issues, the online library, the databases, the branch sites, other resources and the page on How to Research and Write your Family History.
There are also several very good genealogy websites and blogs that you can peruse and sign up for their newsletters. A few of the websites have source information online for you to view for free. They will also often have links to other happenings in the genealogy community – like conferences and webinars.
If you wish to educate yourself by taking a specific course or obtaining a certificate, you can take courses online through the International Institute of Genealogical Studies based out of the University of Toronto.
The OGS also runs a series of monthly webinars during the year, you can sign up for these webinars for free. Sit in the comfort of your home and listen to the experts talk about a variety of topics.
Before you jump in, its best to start with what you know and to systematically record what you find out. Having a research plan, with questions that you would like to answer, can help you use your time wisely and efficiently. Check out the section “How to Research and Write your Family History” for more information.
Information provides the evidence for conclusions about identity and relationships. Naturally you want to feel confident about any “fact” you determine for an ancestor. The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is a term you will come across, a best-practice guide developed to test the breadth and depth of one’s research results. Each fact we want to determine requires diligent consideration of various pieces of information that become evidence as related to a specific event.
One reference resource is Genealogical Standards of Evidence by Brenda Dougall Merriman, giving a description of the GPS and a simple walk-through example.
Citations
where you obtained information makes your growing accumulation so much easier to manage. You will thus have a record of your searches, finding that you often need to return to the same source more than once. More importantly, you will be able to compare the validity of different sources as information providers. You are creating a family legacy; at some point you will want to share, distribute, or publish (perhaps upload) your best possible research results.
Keeping track means making a note for the source of each piece of information you enter on your family tree ?was the source a document? a person? a book? a website? The note is called a citation, and should contain the fundamental elements:
– the name of the record set or database you consulted
– who (person or institution) created the source
– in what visual form (original paper, microfilm, digital) did you view it
– where is the source located
– specific page and/or numerical references
A useful online reference is Evidence Explained, by Elizabeth Shown Mills
A useful online reference for writing clear accurate citations is Citation Styles Online!
Gather family information: Begin with yourself and work backward. Collect names, dates, and places from relatives, old photos, letters, and documents. In particular, knowing locations of where your ancestors lived will help guide your research more concisely (county and township are very important to know in Ontario Genealogy).
Interview family members: Ask older relatives for stories, memories, and any family documents they might have. This will be the family lore that will initially guide your research, and that your research will help confirm or dispel.
Check your own home: Look through photo albums, scrapbooks, and old records for clues about your ancestors. Label these items with names, dates and locations if known.
Use paper forms or simple charts: Start with a family tree chart and family group sheets (you can download them free here). As you begin collecting information on many individuals, it may be tempting to use a computer program right away, but it is best to start with pencil and paper. Record information for about one hundred people first. Once you understand how you prefer to organize your research, you can choose a genealogy program that fits your needs. Two basic documents are enough to begin: a Family Tree chart to trace ancestors generation by generation starting with yourself, and a Family Record to document each couple and their children. Create a Family Record for every couple in your tree. These two forms provide a clear foundation for organizing your research.
Plan your research: Decide what questions you want to answer (e.g., “Where was my great-grandmother born?”). A research plan keeps you focused and efficient. Smaller goals initially help you stay on track rather than “I want to find all my ancestors on my mother’s side.” Broader goals can lead you down the rabbit hole very quickly.
Browse the Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) website: OGS offers guides, databases, indexes (like TONI), and access to journals and family histories.
Check out the Archives of Ontario: This is a major repository for vital records, probate, census, land, and immigration records. Their reference archivists can help you get started and find the right resources. Many of their research guides will help you locate resources. Most must be viewed in person at the Archives of Ontario. If you are unable to get there in person, the OGS can help you find a local genealogist who can conduct the search for you.
Use online databases: Look for free and subscription-based sites like FamilySearch, Ancestry, and OGS’s own databases. Many of the OGS County Branches have websites with location-specific resources. More and more Ontario records, especially vital statistics, are becoming indexed and digitized. A list of other online repositories is included here (Research Resources Landing Page).
Consult historical maps and atlases: Ontario’s county atlases (from the 1870s–1880s) and old gazetteers can help you pinpoint where your ancestors lived. A great website to start your search is The Canadian County Atlas Digital Project.
Search for cemetery records: The OGS Ontario Cemetery Index is a great resource for finding burial sites and transcriptions.
Cite your sources: For every fact, note where you found it (document, website, interview, etc.). This is crucial for accuracy and credibility.
Cross-check information: Don’t rely solely on online trees or indexes. Check original records whenever possible, as indexes may have errors or omissions. Remember: Many people might have the same name, so seek out information that can distinguish your ancestor from others with the same name.
Follow the Genealogical Proof Standard: Aim for at least two independent sources for each fact. This ensures your research is reliable and meets professional standards.
Visit local archives, libraries, and Family History Centers: Many Ontario records are only available in person or on microfilm. Local libraries and Family History Centers (FHCs) often have microfilmed records from the Family History Library. Some of these records are also digitally accessible.
Join OGS or attend webinars: OGS runs webinars and workshops throughout the year. These are great for learning new skills and connecting with other researchers.
Check out specialized books: Titles like The Beginner’s Guide to Ontario Genealogy and Genealogy in Ontario: Searching the Records are excellent starting points. Refer to a local library for copies.
Take online courses: Consider courses from the International Institute for Genealogical Studies (previously the National Institute for Genealogical Studies) to deepen your knowledge.
Share your findings: Once you have conducted your research, create a family history book, website, or digital tree to share with relatives. This preserves your work for future generations.
Stay curious: Genealogy is always evolving. New records are digitized, and new research techniques emerge.
- Focus on centralized archives when beginning your research: Most Ontario records are held at the Archives of Ontario or Library and Archives Canada, not at county courthouses or libraries. FamilySearch.org also has many Ontario records.
- Be patient with indexes: Not all records are indexed or digitized. Many require you to consult microfilm or original documents.
- Use maps and gazetteers: These help you understand where your ancestors lived and how place names have changed over time. Knowing your ancestors’ location is a key to finding the most relevant resources for your research.
- Join the community: Connect with OGS branches and special interest groups for support and advice.
This printable checklist provides a structured starting point for family history research. It guides users through documenting source information, verifying details using genealogical standards, expanding their search beyond online records, and continuing their learning. Designed as a practical tool, it helps researchers stay organized, evaluate evidence critically, and build accurate, well supported family histories.
While conducting genealogical research, you may come across different types of documents. Browse through the terms to learn what information these records contain and where they are usually found.
Vital records consist of birth, marriage, and death registrations maintained by the province of Ontario, as well as some church records. These official documents are foundational for genealogical research, providing essential details such as dates, locations, and names of parents or spouses, which help build and verify family trees. Access to these records is managed through the Archives of Ontario and ServiceOntario, with varying years of availability depending on privacy laws.
The publicly available date ranges for Ontario vital records are as follows: birth records are available from approximately 1830 (predominantly 1869) up to 1918, marriage records from about 1801 to 1943, and death records from 1869 to 1953. For more recent records—births after 1919, marriages after 1944, and deaths after 1954—researchers must contact ServiceOntario or the Office of the Registrar General, as these are not yet transferred to the Archives of Ontario. These date ranges reflect privacy regulations and the annual transfer schedule of records from the Registrar General to the Archives.
NOTE: Many births (baptisms), marriage and death records are also likely to be found in religious parish registers. In many cases, these religious records can predate provincial registration.
Census records, created by federal and colonial governments, include nominal returns from 1851 onward (and some earlier statistical or head-of-household lists), providing detailed snapshots of families, occupations, and communities at regular intervals. These are foundational for tracking family groups and migration patterns over time. Ontario census records are primarily held by Library and Archives Canada, with microfilm copies and some finding aids available at the Archives of Ontario.
Probate records document the legal distribution of a deceased person’s estate and can reveal family relationships, property holdings, and personal wishes. These documents, which include wills and estate files, are housed at the Archives of Ontario for most counties up to the mid- to late-20th century. Earlier records (pre-1859) were created by the Court of Probate or local Surrogate Courts, with later records handled exclusively by Surrogate Courts.
Land records, created by local Land Registry Offices and provincial land boards, document the transfer and ownership of land from the late 18th century onward, providing genealogists with information about property, residence, and sometimes family connections. The Archives of Ontario is the main repository for land registration and Crown land records, including deeds, grants, petitions, and abstract indexes, with some federal land records held by Library and Archives Canada.
Military records were created by military authorities and are invaluable for tracing service history, enlistment, and sometimes next-of-kin information. These records for Ontario residents are found at both the Archives of Ontario and Library and Archives Canada. Archives holds militia rolls, local regiment records, and some service-related documents, while Library and Archives Canada maintains federal service files for major conflicts (such as the World Wars).
Passenger lists were created by the federal immigration service and document arrivals at Canadian ports from 1865 to 1935, providing names, ages, origins, and destinations for immigrants, which are crucial for tracing immigrant ancestors. These lists documenting immigration to Ontario are held by Library and Archives Canada, with microfilm copies available at the Archives of Ontario.
Denominational archives preserve records such as baptisms, marriages, burials, and membership rolls, which can supplement or predate civil registration and provide context for family and community life. Religious records for Ontario are primarily held by denominational archives, with the Archives of Ontario maintaining a collection of original and copied church records for select congregations. Major denominational repositories include the United Church Archives, Anglican Church regional archives, Canadian Baptist Archives at McMaster Divinity College, Mennonite Archives of Ontario, as well as Judaism, and other religious affiliations.
Immigration records include passenger lists and naturalization files, which are maintained at Library and Archives Canada for federal arrivals and at the Archives of Ontario for provincial immigration and assisted passage schemes. Records were created by both federal and provincial immigration offices, such as the Toronto Emigrant Office, and document arrivals, settlement assistance, and citizenship status.
Court records document legal proceedings, estate settlements, and judicial decisions, and are invaluable for uncovering family disputes, property transfers, and legal status. These records, including criminal, civil, and probate files, are held at the Archives of Ontario and were created by various levels of courts throughout the province.
City directories, spanning from the mid-19th century to the early 21st century, provide annual snapshots of residents, businesses, and community infrastructure, aiding genealogists in tracking addresses and occupations over time. These directories, published by private companies and local publishers, are digitized and accessible through public libraries such as the Toronto Public Library and digital repositories like Canadiana Online and Internet Archive.
Employment records are created and maintained by employers in compliance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act and related legislation. These records, which must be kept for at least three years after employment ends, include personal information, payroll, hours worked, and employment contracts, and are stored by the employer or their agents.
The Ontario Genealogical Society (now known as Ontario Ancestors) offers a wide range of support to both new and experienced researchers working on Ontario family histories.
By becoming a member of Ontario Ancestors, you will have access to a range of services and resources that support your genealogical journey.
Research Assistance
The Ontario Ancestors Research Team (ORT) helps you locate both online and offline resources to advance your family history research. They can connect you with limited research services from local branches or provide research support for areas without active branches. If you have a specific research question, being clear and detailed in your request will help volunteers respond more effectively.
Access to Databases and Indexes
OGS maintains specialized databases and indexes, such as the Ontario Name Index (TONI), cemetery transcriptions, land petitions, and collections focused on specific groups (e.g., Huguenots, Odd Fellows). These resources help you find information about ancestors and places connected to your family.
Branches and Special Interest Groups
With over 30 branches and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) each led by OGS Volunteers, you can access local expertise, attend meetings, workshops, and events, and connect with other researchers who share your interests.
Educational Resources
OGS provides guidance for beginners, articles on research techniques, and primers on writing family histories. They also organize webinars, seminars, and an annual conference to help you learn new skills and stay updated on genealogical best practices.
Library and Collections
The OGS library holds thousands of genealogical resources, including family histories, local histories, and cemetery records. Many of these are available for online searching or in-person consultation.
Professional Referrals
If you need more extensive research, OGS can refer you to the Archives of Ontario and/or the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) – Canada Chapter. This is especially useful if you cannot conduct research yourself or need help with complex cases.
Community and Networking
OGS fosters a supportive community where you can share your research, ask questions, and collaborate with others. Their annual conference and regular branch meetings are excellent opportunities to network and learn from experts. Equally, becoming a volunteer with the OGS, you will be able to meet with other people who share an interest in genealogy.
Preservation and Advocacy
OGS works to preserve Ontario’s genealogical heritage by digitizing, transcribing, and advocating for public access to historical records. They also offer certificates and heritage societies for those with direct Ontario ancestors who fought in the War of 1812, or was a Centenary club, or for soldiers who fought in multiple wars.
- Visit the OGS website to explore databases, research guides, and branch information.
- Contact the Research Team if you have a specific question or need help finding resources.
- Join a local branch or Special Interest Group (SIG) to connect with other researchers and access local expertise.
- Attend workshops or the annual conference to develop your research skills and network with others.
By leveraging these resources, you’ll have expert support as you uncover your Ontario family history.
Ontario genealogical resources provide essential records for tracing family history in the province. From vital records and cemeteries to land documents, newspapers, and specialized community sources, these materials help confirm identities, establish relationships, and place ancestors within their historical and social context.
Vital records consist of birth, marriage, and death registrations maintained by the province of Ontario, as well as some church records. These official documents are foundational for genealogical research, providing essential details such as dates, locations, and names of parents or spouses, which help build and verify family trees. Access to these records is managed through the Archives of Ontario and ServiceOntario, with varying years of availability depending on privacy laws.
The publicly available date ranges for Ontario vital records are as follows: birth records are available from approximately 1830 (predominantly 1869) up to 1918, marriage records from about 1801 to 1943, and death records from 1869 to 1953. For more recent records—births after 1919, marriages after 1944, and deaths after 1954—researchers must contact ServiceOntario or the Office of the Registrar General, as these are not yet transferred to the Archives of Ontario. These date ranges reflect privacy regulations and the annual transfer schedule of records from the Registrar General to the Archives.
NOTE: Many births (baptisms), marriage and death records are also likely to be found in religious parish registers. In many cases, these religious records can predate provincial registration.
Cemetery records in Ontario include tombstone transcriptions, burial registers, and cemetery plot maps. These records can reveal vital information such as birth and death dates, family relationships, and sometimes details about country of origin, military service or religious affiliation, helping genealogists confirm identities and connect generations. Ontario-specific resources, such as the Ontario Cemetery Index, make it easier to locate and access these transcriptions and records.
Ontario land records encompass Crown land grants, petitions, deeds, land abstracts, and historical maps, documenting the transfer and ownership of property from the late 1700s onward. These records are invaluable for genealogists as they can provide names of landowners, familial relationships, places of origin, and settlement patterns, often predating census records and vital statistics. Maps and county atlases further help pinpoint ancestral properties and visualize historical communities.
Ontario newspapers, available in print and digital archives, are valuable for genealogists seeking obituaries, announcements, news stories, and advertisements that mention ancestors. These records can provide context about an ancestor’s life, community involvement, and significant events, often filling gaps left by official documents.
French Canadian genealogical research in Ontario relies heavily on Roman Catholic church records (baptisms, marriages, burials), marriage indexes, and notarial records, which often contain detailed family relationships and social history. Specialized databases and dictionaries, such as the PRDH and Tanguay’s Genealogy Dictionary, are particularly useful for tracing French Canadian lineages, as they compile extensive parish and civil records from both Ontario and Quebec
Records related to First Nations in Ontario include treaty documents, annuity payment lists, land claims, and records of reserves, as well as church and school records. These sources can provide names, family structures, community affiliations, and historical context, supporting genealogists in tracing Indigenous ancestry and understanding the broader social and legal history of First Nations in the province.
Genealogical and historical organizations in Ontario, such as the Ontario Genealogical Society and local county societies, offer access to unique databases, newsletters, digitized family histories, and expert guidance. Membership in these organizations benefits genealogists by providing research support, educational resources, networking opportunities, and access to members-only collections and events.
Other useful Ontario genealogical records include census returns, military records, immigration files, court records, employment documents, and city directories. Each type offers unique insights—census records link generations and provide demographic details, while military and immigration records can reveal service history and migration patterns, enriching the family narrative and confirming connections.