Best for Canadian Researchers

Automated Genealogy
This free, volunteer site serves up transcriptions and indexes of Canadian censuses. Transcribed and in various stages of proofreading are the 1901, 1906 (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) and 1911 enumerations. The 1851-1852 census is underway, with an ambitious effort to link to other records about each individual.

Canadian Genealogy Centre
The genealogy arm of Library and Archives Canada (LAC) offers research tools and detailed advice, plus a broad range of digitized vital records, passenger lists, censuses, land and military records and historical images.

Nova Scotia Historical Vital Statistics $
On this new site, search a million birth, marriage and death records, some dating back to 1763. Once you find a Nova Scotia ancestor in the index, the site also makes it a snap to order an actual certificate ($9.95 for an e-copy, or $19.95 for a paper copy).

Our Roots/Nos Racines
Digitized local histories from across Canada have landed here. Topics include the Klondike Gold Rush, the Irish at Grosse-Île, indigenous communities, historic forts and trading posts, and more. Once you’ve found a likely volume, you can search for ancestors’ names and other terms.

Programme de Recherche en Démographie Historique $
A good thing for Quebec researchers keeps getting better: Another 80,000 children’s records recently were added to this site’s Genealogical Dictionary, which now covers 1621 to 1779. Overall, the PRDH database encompasses 759,400 records ranging from 1621 to 1850, primarily 690,000 pre-1800 baptismal, marriage and burial certificates. Searching is free, but accessing more-detailed records starts at about $21.50 Canadian for 150 views.