What Is the Best Gold Bars to Buy in Canada?

Gold bars are a big investment, with the gold spot price ending 2025 at more than $4,000 (USD) per ounce. It's important to buy precious metal products that meet the standards for bullion. Gold bars need to be at least 99.5% pure. This is why it's necessary to understand the different brands available. Reputable mints produce bars and coins that meet or, often, exceed the purity standard. 

For example, the Royal Canadian Mint makes coins and bars that are 99.99% pure. Government mints meet standards, but so do some of the more respected private mints. 

This article will cover what investors should look for when buying gold bars and which types are the best options for Canadian buyers. 

Qualities of the Best Gold Bars to Buy in Canada

Where the gold comes from matters. However, the best gold products need to meet certain standards. 

• Source: The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) has a list of refiners that meet its standard and have official approval to produce investment-grade gold bars. 
• Standard weight: Weights should be in troy ounces (31.1034768 g). Buyers can verify the weight after purchase, though most reputable retailers, including Sprott Money, will not sell underweight products. 
• Markings: Gold products should have markings that display their maker, weight, and purity information. Some mints also put micro-engraving features or other markings that help prove authenticity. Many also have a unique serial number as another step for authentication. 
• Damage: A product may have minor blemishes, especially if it has had previous owners. However, these should be small. Investors should seek retailers who sell products in protective casing. These will have fewer blemishes. Since the value of a bar is based on weight and purity rather than appearance, this is not a problem. However, a lot of damage could hurt resale prospects. 

Why are these standards so essential for precious metal investors? First, they ensure buyers are getting the right price. The price is the spot price for the metal plus any premium. The premium is the cost above the spot price; it covers demand, collectibility, and the costs of minting, designing, and retailing the bar. 

Also, when selling gold, buyers will want proof that it's authentic. This is much easier with products with the proper documentation from reputable mints. 

Top Gold Bars to Buy in Canada

Gold bars have a wide price range and come in very different forms. Some have the same weight as gold coins (1 oz), while others fit the traditional image of heavy, rectangular bars. 

Whether someone is buying as an investment or for a gift, these are five very different options you can get in Canada. 

1 kg Gold Bars

1 kg products are what people usually imagine when someone mentions gold bars. These are a good choice for people looking to make a significant precious metal investment. These heavy rectangles are a great way to add to a portfolio. They typically have a very low premium, so they provide better value than coins or smaller bars with designs. 

On the other hand, it's hard to break up these large products, so rebalancing a precious metal portfolio that has a 1 kg bar can be challenging. Also, the cost makes this option inaccessible for people just starting their collection or those who want to invest on a budget. 

For serious investors who want to hold a lot of gold in their portfolio, 1 kg bars are a top choice.

1 Oz Gold Bars

Those seeking something a little bit more budget-friendly can opt for 1 oz bars. These are typically flat rectangles with a design on each side. In addition to being more accessible for investors, they are easier to store and transport. It's also easier to buy and sell these to rebalance a portfolio compared to their 1 kg counterparts. 

Because they have more design elements and are more popular with collectors, 1 oz bars usually have a higher premium than 1 kg ones. Also, people who want to make a significant investment would have to buy an unmanageable number. For those who are starting out, want to have a diverse portfolio, or don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on precious metals, this is the best option. 

Smaller Bars

10 g and 5 g products are another option. These mini units can be a gift or a keepsake as well as an investment. The pricing can be even more accessible than 1 oz products. Buyers may prefer standard weight (1 troy oz), but these smaller rectangles can retain their value just like their bigger counterparts as long as they meet purity standards and have authentication markings and documentation. 

As the price of gold continues to increase, these mini products are a good way to get into the market for $1,000-$2,000. 

1 g Bars

Tiny 1 g bars are another possibility. These microbars are sold in combinations of 50 or 100. It may be able to buy a single unit on the secondary market, but many retailers sell sets, making this a more expensive option than single 5-10 g units. 

Products like the Valcambi CombiBar provide unique serial numbers for each 1 g unit in the set, making it possible to resell them individually. This is a good option for people who want to have a lot of control over the size of their portfolio. 

Get the Best Gold Bars from Sprott Money

Sprott Money offers a range of gold bars and coins from the world's best mints. We have been in business for two decades and have a reputation for quality and user-friendliness. Not only can you buy products from sources like the Royal Canadian Mint and Scottsdale Mint, but you can also sell to us and use our storage vaults to keep your investment secure. 

Visit our site to see the current selection of gold bars we offer in Canada.