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BC Archives
Connecting you with the recorded heritage of British Columbia
Welcome to the BC Archives. We collect and preserve millions of archival treasures that reveal BC’s past, so that they can be accessible to you.
We are located on the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations). We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory.
Search Our Collections
We have three searchable databases in our collection, with different types of records.
Need assistance? Start your research from home, see our research guides, or contact us.
BC Archives Collection
What’s Inside the Collection
The BC Archives’ records include over 5 million textual records, photographs, documentary art, sound recordings, moving images and cartographic records such as maps.
The records include include government, private, genealogical and Indigenous material. View our research guides for more info.
Using the BC Archives online database
With this database you can search for descriptions of archival records held at the BC Archives and access digital versions, where available.
Please read the Notes Area in all higher levels of description for access and copying restrictions, to see availability of the records in other formats and to locate the finding aid.
For instructions and tips for searching, please see the main page of the BC Archives Collections Search.
Archives Library Collection
You can search for descriptions of publications held in our library using this database. Publications include books, directories, pamphlets, government reports, and more.
For help with your search, please see the Help tab at the bottom of the Search screen.
There are also indexes to and inventories of some of our library materials available on our Reference Guides and Inventories page.
Genealogy Database
You can search for open birth, marriage and death registrations using this database. Many registrations have been digitized and are attached to the listing under Vital Stat Image(s).
Watch our instructional video: How to: BC Archives Genealogy Search
If you cannot find an image of the vital event registration record online, please refer to Accessing BC vital event registrations guide
Search the BC Archives Website
You can also search within the content of the pages on this website. Results will not contain any records from the BC Archives collection.
Other Ways We Can Help
Research Assistance
We’re here to help you find records or guide your next research project.
Order Copies of Records
Our order forms are the best way to get a copy of the records you need.
Government Services
We can help governments of all sizes access records to aid their work.
Online Services
Digital accessibility is important to us. Discover what you can do from home.
Visit the Archives
Pre-Visit Checklist
We strongly recommend these steps to have the most successful visit:
- Search our online collections to see if we have what you’re looking for
- Email us 48 hours before your visit, so we can find and prepare records for you
- Bring 1 piece of valid photo ID with you or pre-register online
- Read our Plan Your Visit page for full info.
Hours & Location
- Monday 10am–6pm: Partial Service*
-
Tuesday
10am–4pm
4pm–6pm: Partial Service* -
Wednesday
10am–4am
4pm–6pm: Partial Service* -
Thursday
10am–4pm
4pm–6pm: Partial Service* -
Friday
10am–4pm
4pm–6pm: Partial Service* - Saturday 10am–4pm: Partial Service*
- Sunday Closed
No retrieval of archival material or staffed assistance from 12 noon–1pm daily.
* “Partial Service” means we cannot retrieve books or records on the spot. See Plan Your Visit for how to make a request in advance.
2025 Closure dates: Dec 25, Dec 26.
BC Archives
675 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8W 9W2
Beside the Royal BC Museum
