Canadian Archives
Local Archives
Below are links to lists of local archives and research libraries organized alphabetically by province/territory. The institutions on these lists are ideal for researchers interested in these specific spaces. Although defined by current borders, many of the archives listed collect materials that transcend present boundaries.
National Archives
The archives and research libraries listed below specialize in sources of early America. Although not exhaustive, this list contains some of Canada’s premiere research institutions. Their holdings are vast and and their collections document well the history of Canada and its place within the early Americas.
Library and Archives Canada
Ottawa
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is the official repository for the government of Canada. Its holdings boast 250 linear kilometers of textual records, both private and public, as well as 3 million architectural drawings and maps, 30 million photographs, 550,000 pieces of sheet music, and 20 million books. Available documents are especially rich in the colonial and early national history of Canada. More details on the holdings can be found here. Published holdings can be searched via Aurora. LAC’s Collection Search allows researchers to explore the LAC’s archival materials. Scholars may also browse LAC’s records by Topic. There are various Topics of interest to early Americanists, including Exploration and Settlement, Indigenous Heritage, Newspapers, Politics and Government, and many more. Each Topic includes finding aids of the textual holdings of LAC as well as any digitized materials related to that Topic. Much of LAC’s holdings have been digitized and are available via the Canadiana Héritage Project.
Archives of Ontario
Toronto
The Archives of Ontario serves as the official repository for the province of Ontario and is the largest provincial archive in Canada. Its holdings include 158,000 linear meters of textual records, 113,000 maps, and 84,000 library items. Researchers can find many helpful links on its Access Our Collections page. Research Guides and Tools provides various finding aids organized by subject. Archival records can be searched via its Archives Descriptive Database, while library materials can be found on its BIBLiON Library Catalog. Much of the Archives’ materials have been digitized and can be accessed online through its Digital Records Online section.
Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec
Montreal
The Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec serves as Quebec’s official repository, national archives, and national library. Its holdings date back to the 17th century and chronicle well the political and social history of early Quebec. Researchers should note that the Archives Nationales du Québec operates at various Archives Centers throughout the province, with Montreal being the central hub. La Collection Nationale comprises the books, government publications, and reference works of the Grande Bibliothèque. Also at the Library are the Collections Spéciales, which include maps, postcards, and other printed material. Archival sources include civil records (wills, probate inventories, marriage contracts), court records (civil, penal, and criminal cases dating back to 1644), government records of various sorts, civil lists, notaries, and private papers from prominent families in and around Quebec. Details on these holdings can be found here. Researchers can search the Archives Nationales’ holdings through the Library’s Catalogue and the Archives’ Advitam. Much of the Archives’ holdings have been digitized as the Patrimoine québécois and are available through its Numérique.
Centre d'Études Acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson
Moncton
Located at the Université de Moncton, the Centre d'Études Acadiennes Anselme-Chiasson boasts the world’s largest collection of sources documenting the history and culture of Acadia and its peoples. Besides preserving the Institutional Archives of the University, the Centre also maintains Private Archives and Folklore Archives. The Centre provides various Guides, Indexes, and Digital Indexes for its private collections. Its Library holds over 12,000 books and pamphlets, and over 3,000 microfilms, and a large selection of French Newspapers. Researchers may search the Library’s catalog here.
Nova Scotia Archives
Halifax
The Nova Scotia Archives serve as the official repository for the Province of Nova Scotia. Its Research Holdings chronicle the early history of Nova Scotia. Archival materials are organized by the various peoples who have inhabited this space, including Acadians, African Nova Scotians, Gaelic Nova Scotians, and the Mi’kmaq. These archival collections can be searched through MemoryNS, an online catalog of the Archives’ holdings. Additionally, researchers can search the Archives’ Library Catalogue. Much of the Archives’ material has been digitized and can viewed through its Virtual Archives and Databases, including over 20 Newspapers.
Provincial Archives of New Brunswick
Fredericton
As the official repository for New Brunswick, the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick boasts a significant collection of sources related to the early history of the province. Its Government Records contain over 8,000 metres of textual documents related to provincial governance, much of which dates back to the late 18th century. Nearly 2,000 collections of Private Records are also available, with many going back to the Acadian and pre-Loyalist periods. There are also over 50,000 Maps and Plans and more than 250,000 pages of Architectural Drawings in the Archives.
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Toronto
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is a leading institution for historical research in North America. Located at the University of Toronto, it maintains the largest selection of publicly accessible Rare Books in Canada and houses over 750 Manuscript collections. The colonial and early national history of Canada is well represented in the Library’s Canadiana collections. There are dozens of Manuscript Finding Aids available online, and researchers may search the Library’s holdings via the University of Toronto’s online catalog. Much of the Library’s materials have been digitized and can be viewed online through the its Digital Collections.