Library and Archives Canada (LAC) provides you with several research resources which make access to its collection easier.
How to access Library and Archives Canada records
- Visit LAC
- Order copies
- Hire a freelance researcher
- View digitized microfilm:
Some of our microfilm reels with the prefixes C, H and T are digitized on our partner website Héritage. Digitized reels can be viewed free on that website. Enter the microfilm number in the search box, e.g. T-2366. If the reel is digitized, click on the reel title to see the images. You can browse through the page images; the content (text) is not searchable. Also note that an image/page number is not the same as an archival document page number.
If you cannot find the references to the records you are looking for on our website, you can ask us a question.
Video: How to Begin your Search Online
Genealogy and Family History
For family history research, consult Sources by Topic for information about records relating to immigration, land, census, births, marriages and deaths, etc.
For information about how to access military personnel files, consult Sources by Topic under Military, which includes First World War and Canadian Forces after 1918 (including Second World War).
Library and Archives Canada Blog
Databases
Aurora
Library and Archives Canada's catalogue of books, periodicals, music, videos and other published materials.
Databases
Provides access to LAC's archival databases comprising references to records from governmental and private sources, including textual records, maps, works of art, photographs, videos and films, sound recordings, architectural drawings, stamps, medals and globes.
Archives Search - Field Trial
Will progressively replace some databases in "ArchiviaNet". An icon identifies those databases that are available in both the old "ArchiviaNet" and the new "Archives Search". You will continue to have access to LAC's archival databases comprising references to records from governmental and private sources, including textual records, maps, works of art, photographs, videos and films, sound recordings, architectural drawings, stamps, medals and globes.
Note: The databases listed in "ArchiviaNet" and "Archives Search" do not cover all the references to the archival records held by LAC. Often, references to some records will only be found in paper finding aids. These finding aids are filed in one of LAC's two reference rooms.
Search All - Field Trial
Allows you to search the following resources of LAC: LAC's website, LAC's library catalogue, and several of LAC's archival databases.
Digital collections and virtual exhibitions
See More Topics: Browse By Topic.
Every year, LAC creates several new Web projects which showcase its digital collections and virtual exhibitions.
About the Collection
A more detailed description of LAC's collection.
Reference Internet Resources is a subject guide to authoritative web resources which may be of assistance to your research. Please note that this guide is only accessible on site at Library and Archives Canada.