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Google is one of those companies that barely needs an introduction. You probably used it to find this page. But when it comes to buying “Google stock,” things get a little more nuanced than the search bar suggests. The company actually trades under its parent name, Alphabet, and there are two different ticker symbols to choose from. Here is what Canadian investors need to know to buy in.
What Is Google Stock and What Is Its Ticker?
When you buy “Google stock,” you are technically buying shares in Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company. Alphabet trades on the NASDAQ under two tickers: GOOGL (Class A shares, which carry voting rights) and GOOG (Class C shares, which do not). Both represent ownership in the same company, and for most retail investors the practical difference is minimal.
The shares are priced in USD, and Alphabet is not listed on any Canadian exchange. So to invest from Canada, you need a brokerage that gives you access to US markets.
What Do Canadian Investors Need to Buy Google Stock?
The main requirement is a brokerage account that supports trading on US exchanges like the NASDAQ. Most Canadian self-directed brokerages include this by default, though it is worth confirming before you sign up.
You will also need US dollars, or at least the willingness to have your brokerage convert your CAD when you place the trade. Since Alphabet shares are priced in USD, there is a currency step involved no matter what.
How to Buy Google Stock in Canada, Step by Step
Step 1: Open a self-directed brokerage account with US market (NASDAQ) access. You will need your ID, Social Insurance Number, and some basic personal and financial information to complete the application.
Step 2: Fund the account. If your account holds CAD, your brokerage will convert it to USD when you make the purchase. Some investors prefer to deposit or convert to USD in advance to avoid paying the foreign exchange spread on every trade.
Step 3: Search for the ticker GOOGL (or GOOG) and confirm the listing is on the NASDAQ. If you see multiple results, look for the one priced in USD on the US exchange.
Step 4: Select your order type. A market order fills immediately at the current price. A limit order lets you set a maximum you are willing to pay, and only fills if the price hits your target.
Step 5: Enter the number of shares, review the order summary, and submit.
GOOGL vs GOOG – Which Share Class Should You Know About?
This is one of the more common questions people run into when searching for Google stock, so it is worth clearing up.
GOOGL is Alphabet’s Class A stock. Each share carries one vote at shareholder meetings. GOOG is Class C, which has no voting rights attached. In terms of price, they tend to trade very close to each other, and they both represent the same underlying company.
For the average retail investor in Canada, the distinction is largely academic. You are not likely to sway a shareholder vote either way. Just be aware that both tickers exist so you do not get confused when you see them side by side on your platform.
Currency Considerations for Canadian Investors
Alphabet shares trade in USD, and most Canadian brokerage accounts default to holding CAD. That means a currency conversion happens whenever you buy or sell.
Brokerages typically handle this automatically by applying a foreign exchange spread at the time of the trade. It is seamless, but it is not free. The spread is a real cost that affects your total return.
If you are planning to hold US stocks for a while or trade them regularly, you might want to maintain a USD balance in your account. This avoids the back-and-forth conversion and the fees that come with it.
Tax Considerations When Buying US Stocks in Canada
When you sell Alphabet shares at a profit, the gain is treated as a capital gain under Canadian tax law. How that gain is taxed depends on the account type you are holding the stock in.
Alphabet does not currently pay a dividend, which simplifies the tax picture compared to dividend-paying US stocks. There is no US withholding tax to worry about on income you are not receiving. That said, if Alphabet ever introduces a dividend in the future, the standard US withholding rules would apply.
In a TFSA, capital gains are tax-free. In an RRSP, gains are tax-deferred until you withdraw. In a non-registered account, capital gains are taxable in the year you sell. For anything specific to your circumstances, a tax professional can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Canadians can buy Google (Alphabet) stock through a brokerage account that provides access to the NASDAQ, where it trades under the tickers GOOGL and GOOG.
Google is a product of Alphabet Inc. Its shares trade as GOOGL (Class A, with voting rights) and GOOG (Class C, without voting rights) on the NASDAQ.
Google/Alphabet shares are priced in USD. You will either hold USD in your brokerage account or your brokerage will convert your CAD at the current exchange rate when you purchase.
No. Alphabet (Google) is not listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Canadian investors access it through a brokerage that offers US market trading.
Many Canadian brokerages allow US-listed stocks to be held in registered accounts such as a TFSA or RRSP. Tax implications differ between account types, consult a tax professional for personal guidance.
GOOGL is Alphabet Class A stock, which carries one vote per share. GOOG is Class C, which has no voting rights. Both represent ownership in the same company.
The price depends on the current USD market price and the CAD/USD exchange rate at the time of purchase. Your brokerage will show the price in USD; any conversion to CAD depends on your account settings.
A market order executes at the current available price. A limit order lets you set the maximum price you are willing to pay, and the order will only fill if the stock reaches that level.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or trading advice. We are not licensed financial advisors, brokers, or dealers. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal.
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