However, not all growth stocks are equal. So while it’s exciting to look for high-potential growth stocks, it’s essential to keep a cool head and ensure you focus on high-quality companies with sustainable business models, strong balance sheets and clear competitive advantages.
Growth stocks have a lot of potential to gain value, but they also tend to be more volatile than other companies, which is why quality is so important.
So with that in mind, if you’re a growth investor looking for high-quality Canadian stocks to buy before 2026, here are five of the best.
Two defensive growth stocks to buy in 2026
Some of the best growth stocks to buy with confidence and hold for the long term are defensive growth stocks. These are companies like Jamieson Wellness (TSX: JEWEL) or Dollarama (TSX:DOL) that have reliable and defensive core businesses, but still have the long-term potential of a growing company.
For example, Jamieson is a leading player in the global vitamins, minerals and supplements market, capitalizing on long-term consumer trends toward preventive healthcare and wellness.
In addition, the company owns trusted brands, has strong distribution channels and continues to expand internationally.
As Jamieson continues to launch new products and demand for premium supplements and vitamins continues to grow, Jamieson has enormous potential.
For 2026, analysts estimates that Jamieson’s revenue will increase 12% year over year, and normalized earnings per share (EPS) will increase 16%.
Meanwhile, Dollarama remains one of Canada’s most consistent growth stories, driven by consistently impressive same-store sales growth and an ever-expanding store network.
The company continually benefits from its scale, pricing power and efficient supply chain, which help protect margins even during uncertain economic periods.
Analysts estimate that Dollarama will see revenue and normalized earnings per share increase by another 12% this year, with even more profitability expected in the coming years as margins continue to improve.
Three stocks to watch this year
In addition to Dollarama and Jamieson, Air Canada (TSX:AC), Aritzia (TSX:ATZ) and easy (TSX:GSY) are three more top Canadian growth stocks that could see serious growth this year.
First, Air Canada will benefit from improving economic conditions and a more favorable interest rate environment.
As travel demand remains resilient and capacity normalises, the airline can generate stronger revenue growth in both the leisure and business travel segments.
At the same time, easing cost pressures and operational efficiencies could support margin expansion. So it’s no surprise that analysts expect Air Canada’s revenue to rise 7% this year. earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increases by more than 16%.
However, Aritzia is a premium clothing retailer with a strong brand, a loyal customer base and a growing international footprint.
The stock has potential for years to come as it continues to open new stores and expand its e-commerce platform.
So even as Aritzia is expected to report revenue growth of 33% and normalized earnings per share of 57% for fiscal 2026, which ends next month, analysts expect another 16% revenue increase and 28% EPS growth over the next twelve months.
That’s why Aritzia is one of, if not the best, growth stock with the most momentum on the TSX today.
Finally, one of the cheapest growth stocks you can buy right now is goeasy, the specialist finance company active in alternative lending.
Not only have revenues and profitability been growing consistently for years, but analysts also estimate that revenues will grow another 12% by 2026, while normalized earnings per share will rise 25%. But in addition to the growth potential, goeasy trades at just 6.9 times forward earnings and offers a yield of around 4.4%.
So if you’re looking for top Canadian growth stocks to buy in 2026 and hold for the long term, these five stocks, but especially goeasy and Aritzia, are some of the best to consider.
#Canadian #stocks #growth #potential