Maps and Atlases

Maps are a useful way to get a pictorial view of where your ancestors lived. There are various types of maps you can consult - ranging from the topographic maps that show contour lines, elevations, and place names to the thematic maps that show things like diocesan boundaries and areas.

The following web sites have maps of various sorts that you should find useful in your research. Wherever available, information on how to obtain these maps is given as well.

Using maps in genealogy

Using maps in tracing your family history (1974)
Betty Kidd
Ottawa Branch, OGS, Ottawa
Consult at: Carleton University; Ottawa Branch, OGS

Maps Can Help You Trace Your Family Tree
While this is an American web site, the information is still useful to Canadian researchers.

Area covered by Pembina Valley Region

Travel Manitoba map - Pembina Valley

Public library branches

Historical maps and atlases

Historical atlas of Canada : a thousand years of Canada's history in maps(2002)
Derek Hayes
Douglas & McIntyre, Vancouver
Includes bibliographical references and index
ISBN 1-55054-918-9

Where is here? : Canada's maps and the stories they tell (2002)
Alan Morantz
Penguin Books Canada, Toronto
Includes index
ISBN 0-14-301351-3

Religious maps

Electoral and census maps

Census Districts and Maps of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan for 1906.
Instructions are given on how to use the electoral maps. Also provided is information on the land division system in these provinces.

Red River valley flood maps

Red River Flood Maps - Canadian Geographic

Topographic maps

Where you can buy Canadian topographic maps