Dive deeper: Our full guide to the best gold stocks in Canada
How to invest in gold
Learn how to buy gold in Canada and find out why you should consider investing in gold.
In the age of meme stocks and economic and political instability, gold is a stable investment that doesn’t experience the same volatility as stocks or other assets. And with gold reaching all-time highs in 2025 and providing a reliable hedge against inflation, this precious metal might just be perfect for your portfolio.
Keep reading to learn how to invest in gold and how to buy gold in Canada.
How to invest in gold in Canada
There are four main ways for new investors to gain exposure to gold:
- Invest in gold stocks
- Invest in gold ETFs
- Invest in physical gold
- Invest in gold certificates
Gold futures, options and CFDs are also available. But due to their complicated and risky nature, they’re best left to experienced traders.
Let’s take a closer look at each option to find out how to buy gold in Canada.
1. Invest in gold stocks
You can invest in gold stocks to profit from gold prices rather than physically owning gold. With this approach, you don’t actually buy any gold. Instead, you buy shares in gold mining companies. You can also invest in the stocks of gold royalty and streaming companies, which provide miners with the capital they need to extract gold in return for a share of production revenue.
To get started, you’ll need to open an account on an online trading platform.
Pros and cons of buying gold stocks
Pros
- Gold benefits. Gold is a store of value and a hedge against inflation.
- Diversify. Historically, gold has experienced less volatility than stocks and performed well during market downturns, so gold stocks can add important diversity to your portfolio.
- No storage requirements. Buying gold stocks means you don’t have to go through the hassle of buying, storing and insuring physical gold.
- Two ways to make money. Not only do gold stocks offer exposure to the value of this precious metal, they can also provide extra income in the form of dividends.
Cons
- Stock market risks. Investing in gold stocks exposes you to all the usual risks that the stock market carries (market volatility, company bankruptcy and the possibility of losing your investment, etc.).
- No direct exposure. Investing in gold stocks does not provide you with direct exposure to gold.
- Not always just gold. Many mining companies mine for much more than just gold, so the value of other commodities can also have an impact on the price of your stocks.
- Brokerage fees may apply. Depending on the broker you choose, you may need to pay a commission whenever you buy or sell stocks.
Steps for how to buy gold stocks in Canada
Step 1: Choose an online trading platform
Compare brokers to find an online trading platform that suits your needs. Look for a broker that offers low fees or $0 commission trading, an easy-to-use platform, and access to the exchanges where you want to trade gold stocks. Compare reputable online brokerages in our curated list below or check out our guide to the best brokerage platforms in Canada:
6 of 6 results
Finder Score for stock trading platforms
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Trading costs, account fees and features across 10+ stock trading platforms and apps are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the better the platform—it's that simple.
Step 2: Open and fund an account
The next step is to open a trading account with your broker of choice. You’ll need to submit an online application with your personal information and contact details, plus provide your SIN and proof of ID.
Step 3: Choose the stock you want to buy
Research gold stocks to find the companies you want to invest in. Consider the company’s history, financial statements, the quality of its gold deposits, how long its mines will be able to remain operational, its management team and dividend yield to find a suitable investment.
Step 4: Place a buy order
Log into your trading account and search for the gold stock you want to buy. Choose whether you want to place a market order to buy the stock at its current price, or whether you want to specify the maximum price you will pay with a limit order.
Enter the number of stocks you want to buy, and make sure that all the details of your transaction are correct before placing the order.
Popular gold stocks in Canada
There are several gold stocks listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Here are some well-known examples.
Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)
Established in 1957, Agnico Eagle Mines is one of the 10 largest companies in Canada in terms of market capitalization. It’s also the world’s second largest gold producer, operating in Canada, Australia, Mexico and Finland. AEM is listed on both the TSX and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and it has consistently provided dividends to shareholders since 1983.
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Barrick Mining Corporation (ABX)
Barrick is a leading producer of gold and copper. Its gold production operations are spread across 18 countries in North America, Africa and the Middle East. Barrick is listed on both the TSX and the NYSE, has a market cap of $96 billion, and pays dividends on a quarterly basis.
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM)
Wheaton Precious Metals is not a miner but a precious metals streaming company. It invests in 23 operating mines and 25 development projects globally, providing exposure to gold, silver, palladium, platinum and cobalt. The company boasts forecasted production growth of 40% by 2028, and it is listed on the TSX, the NYSE and the London Stock Exchange.
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Franco-Nevada (FNV)
Franco-Nevada Corporation is a gold-focused royalty and streaming company. Its aim is to provide yield to investors as well exposure to the price of gold and gold exploration projects, but without the risks associated with traditional mining. Franco-Nevada shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE, and the company has a portfolio of 430 mining assets around the world.
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Kinross Gold (KGC)
This Toronto-headquartered gold miner operates a range of mines and projects in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Chile and Mauritania. Kinross has a focus on maximizing free cash flow, and its forecast gold production for 2025 is 2 million ounces. Kinross Gold was founded in 1993, and it now has a market capitalization of over $46 billion.
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
2. Invest in gold ETFs
An ETF (exchange-traded fund) is an investment fund that’s traded on a stock exchange. Investment funds allow investors to pool their resources together to buy larger and more diverse groups of investments than they could buy on their own.
There are a few different types of gold ETF:
- ETFs that buy gold bullion to provide investors with exposure to the gold price.
- ETFs that invest in gold mining companies.
- ETFs that track the performance of gold futures contracts.
Just like buying gold stocks, you’ll need to open an account with an online trading platform to invest in gold ETFs.
Pros and cons of buying gold ETFs
Pros
- Easily accessible. ETFs are low-cost investment options, and it’s quick and easy to buy and sell ETFs through online brokers. Their high liquidity also ensures lower trading costs and allows you to sell quickly when needed.
- Investing options. You can choose from a gold ETF backed by physical bullion to potentially profit from the rising price of gold, or an ETF that invests in a diversified portfolio of gold mining stocks.
- No storage required. Gold ETFs provide all the benefits of exposure to gold without the need to deal with the cost and logistics of transporting and storing physical gold.
- Diversification. Investing in gold ETFs provides a simple way to diversify your portfolio and spread your risk across different asset classes.
Cons
- Management fees apply. You’ll need to pay an annual management fee to invest in a gold ETF. Management expense ratios for these funds typically range from around 0.15% to 0.60%.
- Brokerage fees may apply. Unless your broker offers $0 commission ETF trading, you’ll pay a brokerage fee every time you buy or sell a gold ETF.
- Potentially lower returns. Gold is seen as a safe investment, so it may not offer the same potential for high returns as some other ETFs.
Steps for how to buy gold ETFs in Canada
Step 1: Choose an online trading platform
Compare online brokerages to find a platform with all the features you need. It will need to provide access to the ETFs you want to invest in, plus have low or no trading fees and a user-friendly interface. If you’re struggling to choose between platforms, checking the best brokerage signup bonuses could help you make your decision.
Step 2: Open and fund an account
Once you’ve found the right trading platform, fill out an online application to open an account. You’ll need to provide your personal information, SIN, contact details and proof of ID. Then once your account is set up, transfer money over from your bank account so you can start trading.
Step 3: Choose the gold ETF you want to buy
Research and compare gold ETFs to decide where you want to invest your money. Consider factors such as:
- The ETF’s investment objective
- The level of risk
- Past performance (remember, this is no guarantee of future performance)
- Distribution yield
- Holdings
- Management expense ratio
Step 4: Place a buy order
Log into your trading account and search for the gold ETF you want to buy. Choose a market or limit order, specify how many ETF units you want to buy, and then review all details of your trade before confirming.
Gold ETFs to buy in Canada
There are plenty of options to choose from if you’re searching for the best gold ETFs in Canada. Here are some popular funds worth checking out.
iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CGL)
CGL aims to replicate the performance of the price of gold bullion, providing exposure that is hedged to the Canadian dollar. This gold ETF was launched in 2009. As of November 2025, it has net assets of over $2.1 billion.
- MER: 0.55%
- 1-year performance: 43.25%
- 5-year performance: 14.74%
- 10-year performance: 11.87%
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
iShares S&P/TSX Global Gold Index ETF (XGD)
Rather than providing exposure to physical gold, this ETF invests in the securities of producers of gold and related products around the world. Its aim is to replicate the performance of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index, and it has delivered a total return of 8.45% since inception.
- MER: 0.60%
- 1-year performance: 82.77%
- 5-year performance: 16.08%
- 10-year performance: 18.75%
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Purpose Gold Bullion Fund (KILO)
Launched in 2018, the Purpose Gold Bullion Fund holds physically backed, unencumbered gold bullion. Unlike gold ETFs that invest in gold-related companies or futures contracts, KILO lets investors gain direct exposure to physical gold. The gold is securely stored in The Royal Canadian Mint.
- MER: 0.28%
- 1-year performance: 55.72%
- 5-year performance: 17.55%
- 10-year performance: N/A
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
CI Gold Bullion Fund (VALT)
This CAD-hedged gold ETF provides exposure to physical gold bullion with the aim of generating long-term capital growth. The CI Gold Bullion ETF was launched in 2021 and is designed for investors who can tolerate a medium level of risk.
- MER: 0.18%
- 1-year performance: 43.6%
- 5-year performance: N/A
- 10-year performance: N/A
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
BMO Equal Weight Global Gold Index ETF (ZGD)
This BMO gold ETF aims to replicate the performance of the Solactive Equal Weight Global Gold Index. It does this by investing in the global securities featured in the index, and this fund was first launched back in 2012.
- MER: 0.60%
- 1-year performance: 147.90%
- 5-year performance: 29.15%
- 10-year performance: 23.81%
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
Global X Gold ETF (HUG)
The HUG gold ETF aims to replicate the performance of the Solactive Gold Front Month MD Rolling Futures Index ER. The fund invests in the regulated futures market, providing gold exposure without having to store physical gold.
- MER: 0.43%
- 1-year performance: 40.10%
- 5-year performance: 13.65%
- 10-year performance: 10.56%
<div>Buy on CIBC Investor's Edge</div>
3. Invest in physical gold
It might seem a little old-fashioned, but major banks, the Royal Canadian Mint and a range of legit private firms all allow you to purchase physical gold. You can buy online or in-person, but be aware that most gold sellers impose a limit on how much gold you can purchase daily.
You can buy gold bullion in the form of gold bars or in coins.
How to buy gold bars in Canada
Gold bars are larger and therefore more expensive, but they are an effective option if you’re looking to make a sizable investment. They generally range in size from 1g to 1kg, but there are bars of up to 500oz available. Remember that precious metals use troy ounces and that one troy ounce equals 31.1 grams.
There are 2 types of gold bars: cast bars and minted bars. Cast bars are produced by pouring molten gold into an ingot mould, while minted gold bars are manufactured via a minting or stamping process. Cast bars are cheaper to produce, but minted bars look better and are generally easier to sell.
How to buy gold coins in Canada
Mints around the world also produce gold bullion coins. Coins are smaller and less valuable than bars, so they can be a more convenient option when you need to liquidate some of your investment or you have less money to invest with.
Coins typically contain between 1/20oz and 1oz of pure gold.
These coins also have a nominal monetary value and can be accepted as legal tender in the country where they’re made. Examples include the Australian Kangaroo, the American Gold Eagle, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the UK’s Gold Sovereign.
What is the price of gold per oz in Canada now?
Real-time data for commodities is provided by market makers, not the exchanges. Prices are indicative and may differ from the actual market price.Pros and cons of buying physical gold
Pros
- Protect your wealth. Gold has long been seen as a reliable store of value that is largely unaffected by the factors that influence other investments. For example, when share prices plummet, the price of gold usually rises as investors look for somewhere “safe” to park their money.
- Diversify your portfolio. Gold’s “safe haven” status makes it worth considering if you’re looking to diversify your investment portfolio and protect your overall financial position during a market downturn.
- Easy to buy. There are many dealers who specialize in buying and selling gold, so getting your hands on this precious metal may be easier than you think.
- Tangible asset. If global financial systems were to somehow collapse, such as what happened during the Great Depression, owning gold as a physical asset offers financial protection. Gold also can’t be destroyed by fire or water damage and won’t corrode over time.
- Liquid. Gold is fairly easy to convert to cash whenever you need to do so. However, it’s easier to sell a gold stock or ETF than it is to sell a bar of gold.
Cons
- Long-term returns may be lower. Gold is commonly seen as a steady investment, so it may not offer the same potential for big returns as other investments.
- Other fees to consider. You’ll need to factor additional costs such as dealer fees, delivery, storage, security and insurance into your calculations.
- Not as convenient as ETFs. ETFs offer a simple and cost-effective way to gain exposure to gold and may be a more convenient option than buying physical gold for many people.
- No ongoing income. Unlike owning property or dividend-paying stocks or ETFs, which can both provide an ongoing source of income in the form of rent and dividends respectively, gold doesn’t provide regular income.
Steps for how to buy physical gold in Canada
Step 1: Choose a dealer
Research gold dealers in Canada to decide where to make your purchase. Compare prices and products before choosing a seller.
Buy gold from Silver Gold Bull
- Live market rates
- Price matching
- Fully insured door delivery
Step 2: Choose a storage location
Next, decide where you want to store your bullion. You could rent a safety deposit box at your bank, choose a vault storage company, or take advantage of the storage solution provided by your bullion dealer.
Step 3: Buy gold
Choose the bullion product you want to purchase. You can visit some gold dealers in person if you wish, but it’s easy to buy online. Pay for your transaction and arrange to either have the gold shipped to you or stored by the dealer.
Where to buy gold in Canada
There are lots of bullion dealers to choose from if you want to buy gold in Canada. Here are some popular options you might like to consider.
Royal Canadian Mint
It’s quick and easy to buy gold online from the Royal Canadian Mint. There’s a wide range of coins and collectibles available along with 10g bars. The gold you buy can be shipped within Canada and the US, and shipping takes 2 – 9 days across most of Canada.
BMO
BMO’s Gold Deposit Program allows you to buy physical gold bullion and then store it in the bank’s vault at the Royal Canadian Mint. There are no annual fees associated with the program, and when you decide you no longer want to store your gold you can either sell it on a cash settled basis or request that it be delivered to you.
Canadian PMX
Canadian Precious Metals Exchange is a highly rated precious metals company and an authorized distributor for the Royal Canadian Mint. You can shop for almost 200 gold coins and bars online or visit the company’s showroom in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Canadian PMX is also Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating.
Costco
Yes, that’s right—you can even buy gold from retail giant Costco. Costco’s collection of bullion and collectible coins includes 1 oz, 0.5 oz, 10g and 50g gold bars, with Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins also available. Of course, you’ll need to become a Costco member before you can buy gold products.
How to find the best place to buy physical gold in Canada
There are several options to consider when choosing where to buy gold in Canada, so make sure to consider the following factors before deciding where to buy:
- Do your research. Regardless of whether you’re buying in-person or online, make sure you know who you’re dealing with. Do your research to find out whether the seller is reputable and trustworthy.
- How the gold was produced. Find out where the dealer gets their gold from. Is it refined and produced by an established and recognized manufacturer?
- Bullion DNA (for gold and silver maple leaf 1 oz coins). The Royal Canadian Mint’s Bullion DNA technology prevents counterfeiting by scanning and detecting the authenticity of Gold Maple Leaf 1 oz coins dated 2014 and onwards and Silver Maple Leaf 1 oz coins dated 2015 and onwards. If you’re interested in buying these types of assets, look for a registered Bullion DNA dealer.
- Premiums and commissions. Read the fine print to find out what fees the dealer charges. Expect to pay a commission to the dealer, which is usually folded into the purchase price, as well as an assay fee to check the purity of the gold and to verify its authenticity, but shop around for the best value.
- Compare price to Canadian gold price. Gold prices are commonly quoted in US dollars, so make sure you compare the price offered by a dealer with the current price of gold in Canadian dollars.
- Delivery. Find out how and when the gold will be transported to you or to its place of storage. Is it insured if anything goes wrong during the delivery process?
4. Invest in gold certificates
Some major banks allow you to buy precious metal certificates. These represent your ownership of physical gold bullion, but rather than storing the gold yourself, your bullion is stored in the bank’s vault.
Pros and cons of buying gold certificates
Pros
- Convenient. You don’t need to worry about the cost and inconvenience of arranging secure storage for your bullion.
- Direct gold exposure. Investing in gold certificates allows you to gain direct exposure to the price of gold.
- Available from major banks. Gold certificates are available from major banks, so you get the peace of mind of dealing with an established and trusted financial institution.
- Liquidity. It’s easy to redeem your certificate for physical gold or sell it for cash if needed.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide income. Gold certificates don’t provide ongoing income in the form of dividends.
- Prices vary. You will need to shop around and compare prices to make sure you get a good deal.
Steps for how to buy gold certificates in Canada
Step 1: Choose where to buy
Compare Canadian banks that offer gold certificates. If you already have an account with a bank that sells precious metals certificates, that will be your first option. If not, check whether you will need to create an account at that bank before you can invest.
Step 2: Contact your bank
The exact purchasing process varies depending on your bank. In many cases, you will need to contact your bank and speak to an investment representative about how to buy a precious metals certificate.
Step 3: Buy a gold certificate
Specify the amount of gold you want to buy and pay for your purchase. The bank will store the bullion in its vault, and you’ll need to securely store the certificate as it represents ownership of the gold.
Where to buy gold certificates in Canada
CIBC
In addition to bullion bars, coins and collector’s items, CIBC also offers gold e-certificates that you can buy to represent your interest in a specified amount of gold. The minimum amount you can purchase is 5 oz of gold, and you have the option to either request physical delivery of the amount of precious metal that is specified in the e-certificate, or resell the gold to CIBC. If you choose to redeem your e-certificate for physical gold, refining and shipping fees apply.
TD
You can buy physical gold from TD, but you also have the option to invest in precious metals certificates. This removes the requirement to store any physical gold, and the electronic certificates can be bought and sold through TD Wealth.
RBC
RBC Capital Markets issues gold certificates to retail clients, with each certificate backed by the bank’s assets. The minimum purchase amount is 5 oz, and there are no storage fees to worry about. Certificates can be redeemed for gold or cash at any time, but premiums and a shipping fee apply when converting your certificate to physical gold.
Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint offers exchange-traded receipts (ETRs) instead of gold certificates. These are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: MNT) and represent direct ownership of physical gold. A 0.35% p.a. service fee applies, and the gold is stored at Royal Canadian Mint facilities. However, you’ll need to be aware of redemption fees and costs when redeeming your ETR for cash.
Alternative ways to invest in gold
The options above are all easily accessible for the average person who wants to invest in gold. So if you’re a novice investor, they’re the best options to explore.
Experienced traders can also gain exposure to gold with gold futures and options. These allow you to trade using leverage, but they’re complicated and risky, so new investors should steer clear.
Another alternative is to speculate on price movements through CFD trading. CFD investors seek to profit from gold price movements, whether up or down. That means that even if gold prices are falling, CFD investors can still make a profit. But because CFDs are highly risky and complex, gold CFDs are better suited to advanced traders.
What is the best way to invest in gold?
The best way to invest in gold depends on your individual investment strategies. You’ll need to consider factors like the make-up of your investment portfolio, your appetite for risk, the arrangements for storing physical gold and your investment time frame.
That said, investing in gold ETFs offers an easy and affordable way to gain exposure to this most precious of metals. You can invest in a gold ETF that tracks the price of gold, or choose an ETF that offers a simple way to invest in a diversified portfolio of gold stocks.
Gold ETFs also have relatively low fees, and you don’t have to worry about the extra expense and hassle of storing physical gold. That’s why they’re well worth checking out if you want to invest in gold.
Is buying gold a good investment?
2025 has been a bumper year for gold. Against a backdrop of trade turmoil and economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the gold price has risen significantly to post all-time highs. And importantly, several leading investment analysts are on the record forecasting the price of gold to continue to rise in 2026.
From a general point of view, there are several reasons why investing in gold is a good idea:
- Diversify your portfolio. There is little correlation between gold and the performance of stocks and other assets, so investing in gold is an easy way to diversify your portfolio.
- Safe haven. In times of economic uncertainty and market volatility, gold has a long history of providing a stable store of value. Its resilience has led to its reputation as a “crisis commodity”.
- Hedge against inflation. When inflation rises and devalues the Canadian dollar, gold retains its value, providing protection against inflation.
Drawbacks of investing in gold
Despite its strengths, there are also a few reasons why gold may not be the right investment for you:
- Low returns. Gold is seen as a low-risk investment, but this also means it doesn’t offer the same potential for high returns as some other assets.
- No income from physical gold. Unlike other investments like stocks or real estate, physical gold doesn’t provide any ongoing passive income.
- Inconvenient. Arranging storage and security for physical gold is inconvenient and expensive.
- Volatility. Though it’s considered a safe investment, gold can still experience volatility.
Is investing in gold stocks and ETFs a good idea?
There are several reasons why you might want to invest in gold stocks or ETFs, but the main advantage these securities offer is that they combine two things:
- Gold exposure with all the benefits it offers; and
- No need to deal with the cost and inconvenience of transporting, storing and securing physical gold.
Many gold mining companies, and some ETFs, provide another plus over physical gold: they pay dividends, so investing in gold stocks and ETFs can also provide a passive source of income.
They provide added diversification to your investment portfolio and stability during times of economic uncertainty as well, so it’s well worth considering gold stocks and ETFs as part of your overall strategy.
Can you buy gold online?
Yes, you can buy gold online in Canada. The Royal Canadian Mint, some major banks and a wide range of gold dealers sell gold online in Canada.
Before you buy, make sure you research any gold seller thoroughly to check that they’re a legit and reputable company.
It’s also important to be aware that purchase limits may apply. For example, banks typically won’t allow you to buy more than $10,000 worth of gold in 24 hours.
What if I invested $1,000 in gold 10 years ago?
If you invested $1,000 in gold 10 years ago, you’d be a lot better off today.
On December 2, 2015, gold was priced at $1,460.61 per ounce. It trended slowly and steadily upwards to over $2,700 in early 2024, and since then has skyrocketed to be $5,868.80 by December 3, 2025—that’s an increase of 301% over 10 years.
So if you invested $1,000 in gold across that time period, your investment would now be worth $4,010.
Bottom line
Investing in gold doesn’t necessarily mean splashing out on a vault full of shiny gold bars. Gold ETFs, gold stocks and even gold certificates offer an easy way to gain exposure to this precious metal without dealing with the cost and hassle of storing physical gold. So now that you know how to buy gold in Canada, compare your investment options to decide which one is a good fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
More resources on Finder
More guides on Finder
-
7 oil tanker stocks to watch
Want to invest in oil tanker companies? We’ve put together a list of oil tanker stocks you should keep your eye on.
-
4 diamond stocks to watch
Want to invest in diamond companies? We’ve put together a list of diamond stocks you should keep your eye on.
-
8 sports stocks to watch
Want to invest in sports companies? We’ve put together a list of sports stocks you should keep your eye on.
-
What is a stop-loss order?
Learn how a stop-loss order can help you limit losses or lock in profits when trading.
-
Best renewable energy stocks
These are the best renewable energy stocks to buy now in Canada.
-
10 gold stocks to watch
Check out some of the best gold stocks to buy right now in Canada based on company performance.
-
Best stocks to buy right now in Canada
Finder’s unique algorithm found the 20 best TSX stocks to buy right now.
-
Guide to 10 of the best ETFs in Canada
Learn how to choose the best ETFs to buy right now in Canada.
-
What is micro-investing?
Round up your spare change into big bucks with Canadian apps designed for saving, depositing and investing.
-
Best investment accounts in Canada
Compare defensive and growth investments to find the best investment accounts in Canada for you.