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.

In late 2026, the BC Archives will be moving to the new PARC Campus in Colwood, BC. Learn more about new location, service levels, and temporary closures.

More about us
Hours & location
FAQ
PARC FAQ

Find a Record

Know what you’re looking for? Use these quick links to look up, visit, or order the records in question. 

Court Records

The BC Archives is home to many court records that are accessible to the public.

Private Records

Archival records from private individuals, families, institutions and organizations that are historically significant to the province.

Family History (Genealogy)

The BC Archives holds many records that can help you learn your family’s story.

Government Records

The BC Archives is the provincial records repository for the government of British Columbia.

Indigenous Material

The BC Archives holds a significant number of records relating to Indigenous peoples and communities.

Residential School Records

Our holdings include records from religious congregations involved with the schools, photographs, government records, survivor recordings, and publications.

Library Collection

The BC Archives Library houses a unique collection of published works on BC and the Pacific Northwest — books, newspapers, directories, and more.

Paintings, Drawings and Prints

The Painting, Drawings and Prints collection has more than 10,500 works of art and published images.

Search Our Collections

We have three searchable databases in our collection, with different types of records. 

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:

Hours & Location

  • Monday 10am–6pm: Partial Service*
  • Tuesday 10am–4pm, 12pm-1pm Partial Service*
    4pm–6pm: Partial Service*
  • Wednesday 10am–4pm, 12pm-1pm Partial Service*
    4pm–6pm: Partial Service*
  • Thursday 10am–4pm, 12pm-1pm Partial Service*
    4pm–6pm: Partial Service*
  • Friday 10am–4pm, 12pm-1pm Partial Service*
    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 no reference archivist is on duty, and we cannot retrieve books or records on the spot. See Plan Your Visit for how to make a request in advance.

2026 Closure dates: January 1, February 16, April 3, April 6, May 18, July 1, August 3, September 7, September 30, October 12, November 11, December 25, December 28.

See our News & Service Notes for full updates about any changes to our hours and services.

BC Archives
675 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8W 9W2
Beside the Royal BC Museum

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Contact Us Plan Your Visit