4 Best ETFs in Canada: Top Picks This Year (June 2026)
The best ETFs in Canada this year include VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO for 100% equity growth, plus VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO for 80/20 stock-bond diversification. These all-in-one ETFs offer low fees, automatic rebalancing, and broad global exposure, making them strong TFSA or RRSP picks for long-term investors.
In 2026, Canadian investors are still gravitating toward simple, low-cost ETFs that can handle most of a portfolio in one trade. Top picks this year such as VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO offer 100% equity exposure for long-term growth, while VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO blend global stocks with bonds for investors who want a smoother ride.
The reason these ETFs stand out this year is that they solve the biggest portfolio problem for most Canadians: choosing the right mix of growth, diversification, and simplicity. VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO are better suited to investors with longer time horizons and higher risk tolerance, while VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO appeal to those who want broad diversification but less volatility from an 80/20 stock-bond mix.
In this guide, we break down the best ETFs in Canada this year by comparing asset allocation, fees, and account fit so you can choose the right top pick for your TFSA, RRSP, or long-term investing plan.
At a Glance: Quick Comparison
Side-by-side snapshot of fees, yield, and returns. Data updates daily.
| ETF | MER | AUM | Yield | YTD | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top VEQT.TO Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio | — | $13.9B | 1.26% | +10.89% | +32.33% |
XEQT.TO iShares Core Equity Portfolio | — | $18.4B | 1.49% | +10.56% | +28.63% |
VGRO.TO Vanguard Growth Portfolio | — | $10.1B | 1.72% | +8.59% | +23.99% |
XGRO.TO iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio | — | $4.8B | 1.77% | +8.65% | +25.70% |
What Is an ETF?
A top ETF pick in Canada this year is usually a broadly diversified fund that gives investors a complete portfolio solution at a low cost. In practice, that often means an asset-allocation ETF that combines Canadian, U.S., and international exposure in one fund, with either 100% equities or a mix of equities and bonds.
For example, VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO are designed for long-term capital growth with 100% equity exposure, while VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO target approximately 80% equities and 20% fixed income. These ETFs automatically rebalance their underlying holdings, so investors do not need to manage multiple funds themselves. BlackRock currently lists a 0.17% management fee for XEQT.TO and XGRO.TO, while Vanguard continues to position VEQT.TO and VGRO.TO as low-cost all-in-one portfolio solutions.
These ETFs are widely used in TFSAs and RRSPs because they simplify investing and reduce the need for manual rebalancing. The right pick this year depends on whether you want maximum growth from an all-equity ETF or a more balanced approach with some bond exposure to reduce volatility.
The 4 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed
Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio
$60.00
+10.89% YTD
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
Returns
YTD
+10.89%
1Y
+32.33%
3Y
+21.53%
5Y
+13.62%
iShares Core Equity Portfolio
$44.40
+10.56% YTD
The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in one or more exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock Canada or an affiliate that provide exposure to equity securities.
Returns
YTD
+10.56%
1Y
+28.63%
3Y
+21.54%
5Y
+13.67%
Vanguard Growth Portfolio
$46.84
+8.59% YTD
Seeks to achieve its investment objective by primarily investing in equity and fixed income securities. It may do so either directly or indirectly through investment in one or more exchange traded funds managed by the manager or an affiliate or certain other investment funds.
Returns
YTD
+8.59%
1Y
+23.99%
3Y
+18.01%
5Y
+10.87%
iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio
$38.06
+8.65% YTD
NA
Returns
YTD
+8.65%
1Y
+25.70%
3Y
+18.81%
5Y
+11.48%
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Instant diversification across Canadian, U.S., and international markets in one ETF
- Low-cost all-in-one structure with current management fees around 0.17% for XEQT.TO and XGRO.TO
- Automatic rebalancing makes these strong hands-off portfolio picks for 2026
- Choice of 100% equity or 80/20 growth models depending on your risk tolerance
Cons
- VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO can be volatile because they hold no bonds
- VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO may lag in strong bull markets due to their 20% fixed-income allocation
- You have less control over regional weights than with a DIY ETF portfolio
- Foreign withholding tax still applies on international dividends inside the fund
Compare These ETFs Head-to-Head
Drill into a side-by-side breakdown of performance, AUM, and yield.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ETF in Canada this year for long-term growth?
For long-term growth this year, VEQT.TO and XEQT.TO stand out because they provide 100% equity exposure across global markets in a single ETF. They are better suited to investors with longer time horizons who can tolerate higher volatility in exchange for stronger long-run return potential.
What’s the difference between VEQT.TO and XGRO.TO?
VEQT.TO is an all-equity ETF built for maximum growth, while XGRO.TO targets roughly 80% equities and 20% fixed income. That means VEQT.TO has higher upside potential over time, but XGRO.TO should experience smaller drawdowns and less volatility during market declines.
Are top ETF picks like XEQT.TO and VGRO.TO good for a TFSA?
Yes. XEQT.TO and VGRO.TO are widely used in TFSAs because they offer diversified, low-maintenance growth in one fund. Capital gains and withdrawals remain tax-free in a TFSA, although foreign dividends earned inside the ETF can still be subject to withholding tax at the fund level.