Traveling in the footsteps of your ancestors: where to start?

Have you heard of genealogical tourism? Between the desire to better understand one's origins, the curiosity to explore the lands of one's ancestors, and the quest for identity, many people today are setting off on a journey to trace the threads of time, that of their family history. But how do you go about transforming a family tree into a true itinerary? Here are some tips for planning a journey rich in emotion and discovery.

Start with research

Before booking your plane ticket or planning an itinerary, it's essential to build a solid foundation of genealogical research. Interview family members, dig through photo albums, notarized documents, and birth, marriage, or death certificates.

You can also consult online databases such as Généalogie Québec , the BAnQ archives, Ancestry or Mes Aïeux , which often allow you to go back several generations thanks to DNA tests and digitized works. You can also ask a certified genealogist for help to untie the knots in your tree if certain branches resist you.

The goal: to identify key locations connected to your ancestors, villages, parishes, and regions of origin. These landmarks will become the stops on your future itinerary.

Identify the destination(s)

Once you have a better idea of your family's geographic origins, you can begin to plot your route. For some, this will involve returning to a Quebec village where their great-grandparents lived; for others, it will be a transatlantic journey to Ireland, France, Italy, or elsewhere.

Please note: Some place names may have changed over time, especially in Eastern Europe or areas that have experienced conflict. Check with local archives or forums to ensure you're visiting the correct places.

Soak up the place

Genealogical tourism isn't just about documents; it's also (and above all!) a matter of feeling. There's something deeply moving about walking the streets your ancestors trod, entering the churches where they were married, and contemplating the same landscapes they did. Experience the pleasure of wandering between cemeteries and old houses. Every detail—the name of an avenue, a tombstone, a commemorative monument—resonates in a very personal way. These moments of immersion are often the most memorable in this kind of trip.

Visit archives, parish churches, or even local town halls. You'll usually find documents there that online databases haven't yet digitized. Some even offer consultation services or specialized guides in family history, such as the Maison de nos Aïeux on Île d'Orléans.

Consider support

If you feel overwhelmed by the task or want to maximize your chances of finding relevant information, know that there are agencies specializing in genealogical tourism. Some offer tailor-made trips that include guided tours, local archive research, and even meetings with distant descendants. This is the case, among others, of Tours Accolade , in Quebec City and Lévis, Aro Voyages and the Racines Voyages agency, in France.

It is also possible to hire a professional genealogist on site for strategic assistance.

Document your journey

Take the time to document your discoveries. Keep a notebook, record conversations, and photograph important places. These memories will become a precious heirloom to pass on to your children and family.

Useful links:

Library and Archives Canada

Quebec Federation of Genealogical Societies