Free Saskatchewan Genealogy Websites to Start Your Family History Research
If your ancestors lived in Saskatchewan, you’re in luck — there are many free online resources that can help you trace their lives. From birth and marriage indexes to homestead files, newspapers, and directories, Saskatchewan has a rich set of digitized records. This guide organizes free Saskatchewan genealogy resources by record type so you can quickly find the ones that matter most for your research.
Vital Records: Births, Marriages, and Deaths
eHealth Saskatchewan – Vital Statistic Genealogy Index
http://genealogy.ehealthsask.ca/vsgs_srch.aspx
Search this database for births over 100 years ago, and deaths over 70 years ago. The index will provide relevant dates, places, and parents’ names if available.
Saskatchewan Genealogical Society – Changes of Name Index
https://db.saskgenealogy.com/public/changesofname
The SGS has a searchable database of name changes printed in the Saskatchewan Gazette from 1917 to 1993. The most common type of entry is for women assuming a married name, however some entries pertain to immigrants adopting English surnames, and whole families changing names due to divorce or adoption (e.g. by a step-parent.)
Census and Population Records
Library and Archives Canada – Northwest and Prairie Provinces Censuses
https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/index
The 1906 Northwest Provinces census, along with the 1916 and 1926 Prairie censuses, includes Saskatchewan. These provide names, ages, immigration details, occupations, and land information during a key period of settlement. Additional census information can be found prior to SK joining Confederation (1905) under the Northwest Territories sub-districts in the 1881, 1891, and 1901 censuses of Canada.
Land and Homestead Records
Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan
https://www.saskarchives.com/collection/homesteading/homesteading-records
Search through microfilmed original documents which cover over 360,000 names from Saskatchewan homestead files (1870–1930). Records can confirm when and where settlers claimed land under the Dominion Lands Act. Full digitization of records may not be available, however indexes are also available to search.
Newspapers and Obituaries
Saskatchewan Historic Newspapers Online
http://sabnewspapers.usask.ca/
This site hosts thousands of digitized newspaper pages from across Saskatchewan, searchable by keyword. Great for finding obituaries, marriage announcements, and everyday local news.
Peel’s Prairie Provinces – Saskatchewan Newspapers
https://library.ualberta.ca/peel/newspapers
Peel’s collection includes dozens of Saskatchewan newspapers, with coverage ranging from the 1800s into the 20th century.
Saskatchewan Genealogical Society – Obituary Index
https://db.saskgenealogy.com/member/obituary
The SGS maintains obituary indexes from newspapers across the province. The index is searchable online, making it easier to locate notices in Saskatchewan papers.
City and Community Directories
Henderson’s City Directories (via Peel’s Prairie Provinces)
https://library.ualberta.ca/peel/featured-collections/hendersons-directories
Henderson’s directories list residents, businesses, and occupations for Saskatchewan communities. They’re especially useful for placing families between census years.
Local Histories and Published Books
Canadiana
https://www.canadiana.ca
Canadiana hosts digitized Saskatchewan publications including government reports and local history books, useful for background and context. Search for relevant family names, places, and dates.
Cemetery and Burial Records
Saskatchewan Burial Index
https://db.saskgenealogy.com/member/burial
Search by name to find where an individual resided at the time of their death.
Find A Grave
findagrave.ca
Browse through many Saskatchewan cemeteries with searchable indexes and photos contributed by volunteers. Note that these contributions may not be sourced and may contain inaccurate information.
Bringing Your Saskatchewan Family History Together
These free Saskatchewan genealogy websites make it possible to research your family history from home. Start with birth, marriage, and death indexes to anchor your research, then expand into census records, homestead files, and historic newspapers to bring your ancestors’ lives into focus.
If you’re exploring family roots elsewhere in Canada, check out my other free online genealogy resource guides for Ontario, Alberta, and Canada-wide collections to keep your search moving forward.
