Before 1871 (Canada's first national census) there were 98 colonial and regional censuses. The first national census of Canada was taken in 1871. The Census Act of May 12, 1870 stated that census-taking was to take place no later than 1 May. This first census of the Dominion following Confederation in 1867 counted the population of the four original provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario

Census returns contain the official enumeration of the Canadian population. They are one of the most useful sources for genealogical research. They can help you discover when and where your ancestor was born, the names of parents and siblings, what year an immigrant arrived in Canada and many other details.

For each census, the records are arranged by province or territory, then divided into districts. Those districts usually corresponded with counties and cities. Districts were usually divided into sub-districts, corresponding with townships, parishes and larger towns.

What you Need to Know About Canadian Census Records