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Culture & History

  • Census Records

    Although excluded from some official records, people of Chinese origin have always been included in Canadian census enumerations.

    The first census in Canada was taken in 1666 in New France (now Quebec). Following 1666, local and regional censuses were taken at irregular intervals until 1851, when the first national census was taken. The 1851 census covered the modern Canadian provinces of Canada, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

    Although the census has been conducted at ten-year intervals since 1851, the 1881 census was the first to include the western provinces and territories. Since B.C

  • Census Records

    Historical census records are a key source of genealogical information.

  • Chinatown

    Chinatown was originally the only place in Vancouver that white settlers allowed people of Asian descent to reside. It is the largest historical Chinatown in Canada and is located in the Downtown Eastside area of the city.

  • Chinese American Genealogy

    Historically, there has been a considerable amount of Chinese transmigration between the U.S. and Canada. It is possible that your ancestors spent some time in the U.S. or that a branch of your family settled there. This section provides basic information on Chinese American history and genealogical resources.

  • Chinese Canadian Genealogy

    Resources for Canadians of Chinese origin who wish to learn more about their personal connection to Chinese Canadian history.

  • Chinese Canadian History

    Find information in the Vancouver Public Library on Chinese Canadian history, from the early years to the present day.

  • Chinese Canadians

    Information for researching Chinese-Canadian ancestors.

  • Chinese Consular Records

    China established a consulate-general in Ottawa in 1909. Between 1909 and 1970, Chinese consulates existed at various times in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. People of Chinese origin registered with one of the consulates, and information about these individuals may be found in consular records.

  • Chinese Diaspora

    This section suggests book titles and links which may be helpful in exploring the history of Chinese communites outside Canada and China. 

  • Chinese Immigration Case Files

    In addition to extensive registers created to document people of Chinese origin in Canada, Library and Archives Canada holds personal case files documenting the entry of specific families and individuals of Chinese ancestry to Canada under the Chinese Immigration Act.