Get a copy of an archival document

When visiting our Reading Room, researchers may use their own camera to self-copy records.

Personal scanners are allowed only if they do not come in contact with the records being reproduced.

Digital copies of records available through our online database may be downloaded free of charge.

While only representing a portion of our total volume of holdings (millions of records), we have over 200,000 digital objects available online. Most of these are photographs, maps, and audiovisual recordings. 

• Photographs, maps and graphic records (example: posters) are downloaded as JPEG files. 
• Sound recordings and moving images are downloaded as MP3 and MP4 files.

How to download a copy

From an item-level description for a particular record, click on the image of the record at the top of the screen to open the largest version of the image in a new tab. From there, save your own copy.

Important note Tip: Rename the downloaded file or keep track of the reference code elsewhere to ensure correctly identifying the source material in the future.

If a record has not been digitized, no digital object will be attached to its description.

Digital reproductions

If a record has not been digitized or if you require a higher-quality digital copy, we offer a digital reproduction service for a fee. There are two options; regular reproduction and custom reproduction.

Regular digital reproduction

• Scanned at our standard resolution
• TIFF format

Important note For an item already available through our online database, the TIFF will be the same pixel dimensions as the freely-downloadable JPEG.

Custom digital reproduction

• Scanned at the maximum resolution allowed by our equipment
• TIFF format

Photocopies

The Archives can provide photocopies of textual records for a fee for patrons during their in-person visit. You can also remotely order photocopies which will be sent electronically as a PDF.

We may be unable to photocopy some records if they are too large or too fragile.

Important note You must contact archives@vancouver.ca before placing an order for custom digital reproductions and photocopies to check availability.

Paying for your order

You must pay in advance before your order is filled.

Credit cards accepted are VISA and Mastercard.

Once payment is received, most orders are completed within 7 to 10 days. Custom orders or orders requiring conservation treatment or special handling (such as architectural drawings or oversize maps) may require more time. 

View the price list

Order your copy online

Receiving your copy

Your purchase is delivered as a downloadable file(s) through a link sent to you by email. 

We do not sell photographic prints.

Users must cite material as found from the Archives. Credit lines must include:

• “City of Vancouver Archives”
• The reference code
• In the case of photography, the name of the photographer (if known)

This information is provided in the online description for each item.

Example: This image from the Habitat Forum photographs collection can be credited as: City of Vancouver Archives, AM1671-: CVA 395-02312, Erol H. Baykal, photographer

Digital records available from our database include copyright information in the item description, found under the subheading Rights Area. Records may be in the public domain or under copyright.

Copyright may be held by the City of Vancouver, a third party, or be unknown to the Archives.

Learn more about our reproduction policy