Below are the resources that are generally available for most time periods. Under each title is a blurb telling you if the resource is available for this time period. For more general information on each resource, how to use it, where to find it, click on the title.
Birth Records
Birth registration was not required. In order to find a record of birth during this time period you will have to utilize other resources such as Church Records, Cemetery Records, Court Records, and even Miscellany Records.
Books
Books are an often overlooked resource especially now that the internet appears to have all the information you need at your fingertips. Local histories, period histories, and even transcripts are available, not just locally, but worldwide. Is your ancestor hiding in a book?
Cemetery Records
Finding a cemetery record for this time period could be hit or miss. Most people were either buried on family land, or in their church cemetery (what was their religion?).
Census Records
For more settled areas during this time a census was taken every year but few, if any, of these records have survived. Census Records that are known to have survived are listed on OntarioGenWeb's Census Project.
Church Records
During the early years of Upper Canada there were religious restrictions. When England claimed Canada as their colony they hoped to create an Anglican nation. However as more and more immigrants arrived it was clear they wanted Freedom of Religion, and bit by bit they won that right. But for genealogists seeking their ancestors this can be a tricky search if your ancestor was not part of a religion that was legally permitted to practice certain rites in Ontario.
Until 1793 only the Anglican church could perform certain church rites. In 1793 permission was granted to the Catholic Church. In 1798 the Church of Scotland, Presbyterian, Calvinist, and Lutheran Churchs were granted permission.
Citizenship/Naturalization Records
If your ancestor was a British subject (born in Canada, England, or one of England's colonies) you will not find a Citizenship or Naturalization Record because they were already considered a citizen. If your ancestor was born elsewhere they were eligible to apply for Citizenship or Naturalization after living in Canada for three years and declaring loyalty to the British Crown.
Court Records
Surrogate Court
Wills & Estate Files
Death Records
Death registration was not required. In order to find a record of death during this time period you will have to utilize other resources such as Church Records, Cemetery Records, Court Records, and even Miscellany Records.
Funeral Records
Not available for this time period
Emigration Records
Not available for this time period
Immigration Records
Ship Lists: If your ancestor was a British subject, or arrived by ship prior to 1865 it's possible but unlikely you'll find them on a ship passenger list.
Land Records
Upper Canada Land PetitionsLand PatentsTownship Papers
Marriage Records
Starting in 1793 there are District Marriage Registers. Prior to 1793, or if your ancestor is not in the District Marriage Registers, you will have to use other resources.
Military Records
Some records are available
Misc Records
Newspapers
Biographies
Fraternal Organizations
Employment Records
Hudson's Bay Company Records
North West Company Records
Do you know of another resource that could be used to research this time period?
