Genealogical Research in Quebec: Archives, Migrations, and Resources to Trace Your Ancestors
Discover how to conduct your genealogical research in Quebec. Access archives, databases, and free tools from Geneafinder.
©️BAnQ
Cradle of New France, Quebec boasts a unique history and heritage that continue to captivate those in search of their ancestors.
Discovered in 1534 by Jacques Cartier and later colonized by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec — once known as New France and later as Lower Canada by the end of the 18th century — was founded by about 15,000 pioneers from France. These first settlers, who established themselves along the St. Lawrence River, gave rise to a flourishing lineage whose family names remain at the heart of Quebec’s identity.
It was in the 19th century that Quebec genealogy truly took shape, thanks to the monumental work of Monsignor Cyprien Tanguay, author of the first comprehensive directory of parish registers. In the 20th century, Gabriel Drouin carried this mission forward by microfilming Quebec’s parish records, from the early days of the colony up to 1940. These foundational efforts, later expanded by the Société généalogique canadienne-française (founded in 1943) and the Société de généalogie de Québec (founded in 1961), have made Quebec a true paradise for genealogists.
Today, with the digitization of archives and the dedication of thousands of enthusiasts, tracing one’s French-Canadian ancestors is more accessible than ever. Genealogical research in Quebec makes it possible to follow the footsteps of families from the days of New France to the present, in a fascinating historical continuum where every name tells a chapter of the country’s story.
📜 Archives in Quebec
The National Library and Archives of Quebec (BAnQ)
The National Library and Archives of Quebec hold the most extensive collection of documents tracing the province’s history, from the beginnings of New France to the present day.
With ten archival centers across the province, they offer free and open access to their resources, along with personalized support provided by specialized archivists.
At the same time, they share their expertise in information management with government ministries, public organizations, and the broader archival community of Quebec.
Visit the National Library
National Library (Grande Bibliothèque site)
📍 475, boulevard De Maisonneuve Est, Montréal, QC, H2L 5C4
📨 collectionspatrimoniales@banq.qc.ca
National Library (Rosemont) site
📍 2275 rue Holt, Montréal, QC, H2G 3H1
📨 collectionspatrimoniales@banq.qc.ca
Visit Archival Centers in Quebec
National Archival in Montréal
📍 535, avenue Viger Est, Montréal, QC, H2L 2P3
📨 archives.montreal@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Québec
📍 Pavillon Louis-Jacques-Casault, Campus Université Laval, 1055, avenue du Séminaire (local 3112), Québec, QC, G1V 5C8
📨 archives.quebec@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Rimouski
📍 337, rue Moreault, Rimouski, QC, G5L 1P4
📨 archives.rimouski@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Gaspé
📍 80, boulevard de Gaspé, Gaspé, QC, G4X 1A9
📨 archives.gaspe@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Sept-Îles
📍 700, boulevard Laure, bureau 190, Sept-Îles, QC, G4R 1Y1
📨 archives.sept-iles@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Saguenay
📍 930, rue Jacques-Cartier Est, bureau C-103, Saguenay , QC, G7H 7K9
📨 archives.saguenay@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Sherbrooke
📍 225, rue Frontenac, bureau 401 , Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 1K1
📨 archives.sherbrooke@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Gatineau
📍 Maison de la culture de Gatineau , 855, boulevard de la Gappe , Gatineau, QC, J8T 8H9
📨 archives.gatineau@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Rouyn-Noranda
📍 27, rue du Terminus Ouest, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, J9X 2P3
📨 archives.rouyn@banq.qc.ca
National Archival Center in Trois-Rivières
📍 225, rue des Forges, bureau 208, Trois-Rivières , QC, G9A 2G7
📨 archives.trois-rivieres@banq.qc.ca
Online Archives on BAnQ
Browse the online archives and guides to trace your ancestors in Quebec:
Essential Websites for Your Genealogical Research in Quebec
- BMS2000 – A cooperative database created by 24 genealogical societies, BMS2000 centralizes more than 16 million baptism, marriage, and burial records from Quebec’s parish registers. Access is paid.
- PRDH – Research Program in Historical Demography – Created by the Université de Montréal, the PRDH reconstructs the population of early Quebec from the 17th century onward. Its database, essential for the period between New France and 1800, combines parish records with biographical files. Paid access.
- Généalogie Québec – Formerly known as the Drouin Institute, this site contains around 100 million documents and images, including the Le Lafrance database (baptisms, marriages, burials). A paid reference resource for Quebec’s parish registers.
- Ancestry.ca – The Canadian version of the genealogy giant Ancestry. This platform provides access to Quebec parish records and numerous collections of historical archives. Subscription required.
- Fichier Origine – A free directory of French and foreign emigrants who settled in Quebec before 1865. It combines civil and notarial records under the supervision of the Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie.
- Mes Aïeux – A paid site covering several Canadian provinces. It allows users to search parish and civil records from Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
- FamilySearch – A free platform offering Quebec religious and civil records (1621-1900) and notarial marriage contracts (1800-1920). Open access with account creation.
- Nos Origines – A collaborative website tracing Quebec family trees from New France to today. Marriage data vary by family, and original records are not included.
- Births, Marriages, and Deaths Registered in Canada – Indexes drawn from parish registers and family collections. For Quebec, the database includes Bouchette, Buckingham, Hull, and Pontiac County (records over 100 years old).
- Parchemin – A specialized database of Quebec notarial acts (1626-1819), including marriage contracts and legal documents. Original records are not reproduced.
The Importance of Genealogical Societies in Quebec
Joining a genealogical society is one of the best ways to begin family research in Quebec. These organizations not only provide personalized guidance but also grant access to exceptionally rich documentation centers. Beginner genealogists will find advice, direction, and practical resources to learn how to make effective use of the available research tools.
The libraries of genealogical societies contain all the essential materials needed to start your family investigation:
Printed indexes of baptisms, marriages, and burials from the province of Quebec.
Parish directories from other Canadian provinces, notably Ontario.
Indexes of parish registers from the New England states, useful for tracing migration patterns.
Genealogical dictionaries and digital databases, several of which are electronic versions of these printed directories.
These comprehensive resources make genealogical societies an essential stop for anyone wishing to explore their Quebec ancestry with method and precision.
List available on the website of the Fédération québécoise des sociétés de généalogie.
🧳 Migrations From and To Quebec
The history of migration to Quebec spans several centuries, marked by flows from France and other European regions, influenced by political, economic, and colonial contexts.
- Colonial Period (1608-1760): The first French settlers arrived in New France, starting in 1608 with the founding of Quebec by Samuel de Champlain. Initially, they were mostly women, indentured servants, soldiers, and clergy sent to establish the colony. Between 1608 and 1700, around 35,000 French people emigrated, but less than half settled permanently; many returned to France or moved on to other colonies, notably Louisiana. These early migrants, called pioneers, were essential to the building of Quebec society, with families like Gagnon and Tremblay keeping their names to this day.
- Intensified Colonization (1660-1760): From 1665, French colonization increased with the sending of the Filles du Roi(King’s Daughters) to ensure population growth. The population grew from 4,000 inhabitants in 1665 to around 7,000 in 1672, mostly from France. This emigration now also included artisans, families, and officers contributing to the expansion of the new society. Most emigrants were motivated by the hope of a better future, often amid economic or social difficulties in France. The French settlers of New France mainly came from Paris, Île-de-France, and various French provinces including Aunis, Anjou, Brittany, Maine, Normandy, Burgundy, the Basque Country, Perche, Picardy, Poitou (including present-day Deux-Sèvres and Vendée), Saintonge, and Touraine. The Filles du Roi mainly came from Orléanais, while some dignitaries came directly from Île-de-France.
- Wave of French Emigration (1870-1914): In the 19th century, a new phase began with mass French immigration, especially between 1870 and 1914, when around 50,000 French people crossed the Atlantic to try their luck in the Western plains or in Montreal. Emigration was encouraged by religious and industrial networks, drawn by better living conditions and religious freedom. Most of these newcomers stayed, integrating into the local population while maintaining their Catholic culture.
- Migration to Other American Regions and Historical Context: Over the 17th and 18th centuries, migrants from different European countries, notably Ireland, Scotland, and Germany, also settled in the region, contributing to the demographic diversification of the territory. Migration to Quebec was also strongly influenced by international events, such as the Seven Years’ War or the French Revolution, which pushed some populations to flee France or move to its North American colonies.
To learn more:
🎞️ Quebec in Pictures
Archival Photos
Old Maps
In conclusion, researching your genealogy in Quebec is above all about reconnecting with centuries of history—from the pioneers of New France to modern waves of immigration. Thanks to the richness of parish, notarial, and civil archives, and to the passion passed down from generation to generation, every Quebec family holds a living part of the French-speaking memory of the Americas.
Today, digital tools make it easier than ever to trace your roots—whether in France, Quebec, or elsewhere in the world. By combining historical resources, online databases, and collaborative platforms, anyone can retrace their family history while contributing to the preservation of a shared heritage.
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