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Researching your Canadian Ancestors

Photo:  Personal Photograph Collection

If you're interested in researching your family tree and you have Canadian ancestors, you may be wondering where to start. There are many resources available to help you get started with your genealogy research in Canada.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the best resources available for genealogical research in Canada. We will also be providing some tips and suggestions on how to get started.

Determine What You Know About Your Canadian Ancestors

There are many ways to go about starting your genealogy research in Canada. One of the best places to start is by determining what you already know about your Canadian ancestors. This can be done by looking through family documents and records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. You may also be able to find information online or through other relatives who might have more knowledge about the family tree. Once you have gathered all of this information, it will be easier to begin tracing your ancestry back further into Canadian history.

Identify What You Want To Learn About Your Canadian Ancestors

There are many things you may want to learn about your Canadian ancestors. You may want to know where they came from, what their lives were like, and what their journey was to Canada. You can start by doing some research on the internet or at your local library. There are also many genealogy websites that can help you with your research. Once you have an idea of what you want to learn about your ancestors, make a list of questions that you would like answered. Then start looking for resources that will help answer those questions

Choose A Research Goal

There are a few things to consider when you start your genealogy research in Canada. First, you'll need to choose a research goal. What do you hope to achieve with your research? Are you looking for specific information about your ancestors, or are you just trying to get an overview of your family history? Once you've decided on a goal, it will be easier to determine what type of resources and strategies you'll need to use.

Second, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types of records that are available in Canada. There is a wealth of information that can be found in census records, birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, church records, and more. Knowing what kinds of records exist will help narrow down your search and make it more efficient.

Finally, don't forget about using online resources! The internet is full of helpful websites and databases that can assist with Canadian genealogy research. Be sure to explore all the options before making any decisions - there's plenty out there!

Develop A Research Plan

There are a few key steps to take when beginning genealogy research in Canada. First, it’s important to assemble as much information about your ancestors as possible. This may include collecting birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death records. Once you have gathered this information, you can begin searching for more detailed records such as Census data, passenger lists, and naturalization papers.

It’s also helpful to consult with other family members or relatives who may know additional details about your ancestors. They may be able to provide names of other family members or share stories that can help piece together your family history. Additionally, there are many online resources available that can assist with genealogy research in Canada. The Canadian Genealogical Society website is a good place to start; they offer tips and advice for those just getting started with their research.

By taking the time to develop a solid plan before beginning your research, you will be better equipped to find the information you need and build an accurate picture of your family tree

Begin Your Research

There are many ways to start genealogy research in Canada. One way is to look into your family history. This can be done by talking to older relatives, looking through old family photos and documents, or even researching online.

Another way to begin your research is by visiting a local library or archives. Here you will find resources such as books, newspapers, and records that can help you learn more about your ancestors.

Lastly, you can also join a genealogy society or group which can provide support and advice from other researchers.

Conclusion

If you have Canadian ancestors, you may be wondering how to start researching your family history. The first step is to determine what you already know about your ancestors. Once you have done this, you can identify what you want to learn about your ancestors. After you have chosen a research goal, you can develop a research plan. Once you have a plan, you can begin your research. There are many resources available to help you research your Canadian ancestors. The Family History Library has a large collection of Canadian records. The National Archives of Canada also has a website with various resources. The Canadian Genealogy Centre is another website that can be helpful. Once you have started your research, you may find that you want to learn more about your ancestors. You may want to join a local genealogy society or attend a genealogy conference. There are also many online forums and websites that can help you with your research.

To help you along your journey download our free guide:  The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Your Family History.

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Carol Walsh

Article by Carol Walsh

Carol Walsh is the CEO of Creative Roots, a professional genealogy company. She has a passion for preserving family history and storytelling. Carol's research methodology centers around fact-finding and publishing in a format that readers can use to preserve the stories. Her ultimate goal is to help families connect with their past and each other.