Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $5,000 Right Now

Have $5,000 that you aren’t sure where to deploy? These three high-quality Canadian stocks are worth adding to right now!

| More on:

Despite tariffs and economic uncertainty, Canadian stocks have performed with resilience in 2025. The TSX Index is up 7.6% this year, whereas the S&P 500 is only up 1.5%. Oddly enough, Canadian stocks have outperformed their American peers.

The good news is that there are still good opportunities in the Canadian market. While the pullback in March would have been the ideal time to add to positions, there are still deals to be found. If I had $5,000, here are three unique, high-quality stocks to deploy that cash into today.

Source: Getty Images

A top Canadian tech stock

With its stock up 622% in the past 10 years, Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) has spent more time close to 52-week highs than 52-week lows. However, this strong Canadian compounder is down 17% this year. It represents an attractive buying opportunity.

Descartes is an important global supplier of software solutions to logistics and transport sector. With trade wars and geopolitical tensions, the global supply chain is in a bit of distress.

While that may impact Descartes in the near term, it is likely temporary. Its software helps logistics providers navigate complex environments. It is very challenging to revert to legacy paper or software processes once Descartes’s software is adopted.

With a strong, cash-rich balance sheet, this Canadian stock can proactively deploy capital into acquisitions. If you don’t mind being a contrarian, now is a good time to buy this stock.

A property services business

Another Canadian stock that has recently pulled back is FirstService (TSX:FSV). Like Descartes, it has a great long-term record. Its stock is up 608% in the past 10 years. Yet, its stock is down 8% in 2025.

FirstService operates a large residential/condo property management business across Canada and America. It also operates a mix of brands catering to the home improvement market (like painting, restoration, roofing, and cabinetry).

Its smart acquisition strategy has fuelled 15% compounded annual revenue growth over the past five years. It can use its scale and operating prowess to improve margins and grow the acquired company’s customer base.

Overall, FirstService generates a high recurring income stream from its residential business. It can plough excess cash into a plethora of acquisitions in the wide North American home improvement market.

For a stock that should earn low teens returns for many years ahead, FirstService looks attractive after its valuation recently corrected closer to its mean.

A top Canadian real estate stock

Another Canadian stock worth spending $5,000 on right now is Mainstreet Equity (TSX:MEQ). Similar to the stocks above, Mainstreet has a wonderful track record of creating value for shareholders. Its stock is up 418% in the past 10 years.

Given those returns, you might be surprised to find out that Mainstreet is a real estate company. It owns a portfolio with over 18,500 residential units across Western Canada.

Unlike a real estate investment trust, it only pays a small dividend. It prefers to deploy its excess rental cash into buying well-located residential properties, fixing them up, and then growing their rental rates.

It still has a large market to potentially acquire. Even though the economy has weakened, its rental rates are affordable, which helps keep occupancy elevated.

Recently, the stock dipped. Its valuation looks attractive. If you want to own real estate but don’t want to be a landlord, this is as good a stock as any to buy now.

Fool contributor Robin Brown has positions in Descartes Systems Group. The Motley Fool recommends Descartes Systems Group and FirstService. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Happy golf player walks the course
Tech Stocks

Lightspeed Stock Plunged 13% After Earnings: Is the Turnaround Finally a Buy?

A 13% earnings-day drop may be giving investors a second look at Lightspeed’s improving, post-divestiture turnaround story.

Read more »

young people stare at smartphones
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Down 42% to Buy Now for Lifelong Income

TELUS’s painful 55% dividend cut may have turned a shaky payout into a more sustainable 5.6% yield.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Are These Still the Best Dividend Stocks in Canada?

Are Fortis, Enbridge, and Scotiabank still the best dividend stocks in Canada? Here’s how their income and long-term growth compare.

Read more »

boy in bowtie and glasses gives positive thumbs up
Dividend Stocks

Could This Stock Be Your Path to Becoming a Millionaire?

Don’t rely on one stock — diversify. Individual companies can falter and your results depend on starting capital, contributions, returns,…

Read more »

woman holding steering wheel is nervous about the future
Tech Stocks

The Best Undervalued Stocks I’d Buy Right Now

Two TSX blue chips trading at modest P/E ratios may be priced for pessimism even as earnings improve.

Read more »

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Dividend Stocks

Dip Buyers Could Win Big: 2 of the Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Now

Two TSX laggards near 15%–19% off their highs may be giving patient investors a rare buy-the-dip setup.

Read more »

woman checks off all the boxes
Dividend Stocks

The CRA Checklist Every Retiree Needs to Pass

A simple five-step checklist can help retirees avoid CRA mismatches and keep more income tax-free.

Read more »

investor looks at volatility chart
Dividend Stocks

Here Are the Canadian Stocks I’d Feel Safest Holding Forever

These Canadian stocks are "forever" holds, but investors still need to buy at good valuations. Consider buying during market-wide corrections…

Read more »