However, not everyone starting out has enough capital to buy that many shares. If you have a few thousand dollars and are just looking for a place to start, here are six Canadian stocks to buy and hold until 2026.
Solid Canadian Dividend Stocks
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:GRT.UN) is a defensive anchor stock to keep in your portfolio.
With a market capitalization of $5.5 billion, it is Canada’s largest industrial REIT. The portfolio is diversified across Canada, the US and Europe. After strong rental activities in 2025, this will continue 98% occupancy and a mix of high-end tenants.
Granite currently yields 4%. It has a 15-year history of increasing its dividend annually.
AltaGas (TSX:ALA) is another defensive Canadian stock. With a safe and sound utility in the US and growing midstream operations in Canada, investors get a mix of growth and safety.
The utility has above-average interest growth thanks to a strong capital plan. The midstream business should benefit in the long term from rising demand for propane and other natural gas products in Asia. This Canadian stock yields 3.3% and has grown its dividend by 5 to 7%.
For a given income, but slightly higher growth, Exchange Income Corp. (TSX:EIF) is a nice addition to the portfolio. It operates a diversified portfolio of businesses including north-facing air services, aerospace defense hardware/software, environmental access solutions, manufacturing and window installation.
This Canadian share is heavily burdened by rising defense spending worldwide and an increasing government focus on Canada’s north. Exchange had a great year in 2025 and expects mid-teens growth in 2026. It has a 3% dividend and a record of regular increases.
Stocks for growth and compounding
If you want a little tech exposure, Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG) is a great Canadian growth stock. It operates the crucial Global Logistics Network and a range of supply chain software services.
This has all the hallmarks of a high-quality business: a cash-rich balance sheet, high recurring revenue, high margins, a competitive advantage and the goal of growing 10 to 15% per year.
While it’s not cheap, this Canadian tech stock has hit its lowest valuation in years. Now is a great time to add this quality company to any portfolio.
Colliers International (TSX:CIGI) is a diversified company with a long history of delivering strong returns in the mid-teens. While it is best known for its global commercial real estate brokerage, it also has an increasing investment management and engineering business.
These are important growth engines. They both have large markets that Colliers can consolidate. They also have attractive organic growth prospects. Colliers has a founder-led CEO and high insider ownership, both hallmarks of high-quality, long-term stocks worth holding.
Every investor should have some exposure to small cap stocks. With a market capitalization of $356 million, Firan Technologies (TSX:FTG) certainly fits this bill.
It supplies specialized printed circuit boards and cockpit components for the aerospace industry. It’s certainly not a flashy undertaking. However, its customers are already almost a decade behind. The product range and geographical reputation have been expanded through smart acquisitions.
This Canadian stock has a good balance sheet and a CEO with high insider ownership. It is an attractive stock that could see solid growth in the coming years.
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