Related Guides
Librarian
Humanities and Social Sciences Division- Koerner Library
Getting Started
What is the Census?
The Census is Canada's largest and most comprehensive data source. The Census provides population and dwelling counts not only for Canada but also for each province and territory, and for smaller geographic units such as cities and small areas within cities. Statistics Canada's Overview of the Census provides an excellent background to the census
The Census is divided into two parts: Profiles and Topic-Based Tabulations. (See Profiles/Topic Based Tabulations tab)
Accessing the Census
Starting in 2001 almost all Census data are available on the Statistics Canada website. The census uses Beyond 20/20 software which allows you to manipulate the data so that you can compare specific variables you are interested in. The data can then be exported into different formats, like an Excel spreadsheet or .csv file.
Prior to 1996 census information was available largely in print. and can be found in the Library Catalogue. Most print volumes of the census are located on the 2nd floor of Koerner Library in the Reference Section.
Tables marked "Contact us" are in the Library's Abacus Dataverse Network collection for use by UBC students, faculty and staff members; these are mostly special topical tables and tables for enumeration areas/dissemination areas.
2016 Census Search Tools
2016 Census Program Dataviewer
Statistics Canada's interactive mapping tool for 2016 Census data. Search by placename or postal code, or zoom to the location of interest. The range of data included will increase with time.
Search selected Census and National Household Survey (NHS) datasets since 1991. Use the filters to choose which year, geographic level, topic and even the specific variable that you're interested in.
View and export data from the 2016 Census for a specific community. Search by place name or postal code to identify area of interest. Smallest area is the Dissemination Area: a few square blocks.
Maps - Administrative Boundaries for British Columbia
Find maps that show various administrative boundaries including census and health boundaries, school districts, college regions and provincial electoral districts.