3 Stocks I’d Use to Build a Smart TFSA Portfolio in 2026

Given their resilient business model, strong earnings growth profile, and visible long-term growth prospects, these three Canadian stocks could be ideal additions to your TFSA.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Dollarama, Hydro One, and Waste Connections are ideal for TFSAs due to their resilient business models and robust growth prospects, offering potential for tax-free capital gains and dividend income.
  • These companies are strategically expanding their operations and asset bases, positioning them to deliver consistent returns and enhance tax-free growth within a TFSA portfolio.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) are powerful tools for building long-term wealth, allowing investors to earn tax-free returns, including capital gains and dividend income, on investments held within their contribution limits. For 2026, the annual contribution limit is $7,000, while the cumulative contribution room has reached $109,000 for eligible Canadians.

Importantly, gains generated within a TFSA and withdrawn from the account are added back to an investor’s contribution room in the following year. Conversely, if investments decline in value and are sold or withdrawn at a loss, the loss is not restored to the contribution room, potentially reducing the account’s long-term tax-free growth potential. As a result, investors should focus on high-quality companies with resilient business models and strong growth prospects when investing through their TFSA. With that in mind, here are three stocks that stand out as ideal additions to a TFSA portfolio.

c

Source: Getty Images

Dollarama

Dollarama (TSX:DOL) is an excellent addition to your TFSA, thanks to its defensive business model and strong growth profile. Supported by its efficient direct-sourcing strategy and streamlined logistics network, the company can maintain low costs while offering a broad assortment of products at attractive price points. Its compelling value proposition allows the discount retailer to generate healthy customer traffic across varying economic conditions.

In addition, Dollarama’s consistent expansion of its store network has driven solid financial performance and impressive shareholder returns. Over the past decade, the stock has delivered a total return of approximately 545%, representing an annualized gain of 20.5%.

Looking ahead, the retailer continues to expand its footprint, targeting 2,200 stores in Canada and 700 stores in Australia by the end of fiscal 2034. The company is also constructing a new distribution centre in Calgary, which could become operational by the end of next year and should improve supply chain efficiency while supporting future growth across Western Canada.

Meanwhile, Dollarama could benefit from higher contributions from its 60.1% stake in Dollarcity, which plans to expand its store network to 1,050 locations by the end of 2031, up from its current 752 stores. Given its resilient business model, consistent execution, and visible long-term growth opportunities, I believe Dollarama remains an attractive TFSA investment.

Hydro One

Second on my list is Hydro One (TSX:H), a pure-play electricity transmission and distribution company with no exposure to power generation. Its regulated asset base helps shield its financial performance from commodity price swings and broader market volatility. The company’s continued investments in expanding its asset base have supported steady earnings growth and attractive shareholder returns. Over the past five years, the company has delivered an impressive average annual total shareholder return of 17.7%.

Hydro One has also increased its dividend for nine consecutive years and currently offers a forward dividend yield of 2.4%, providing investors with a growing stream of passive income.

Looking ahead, the utility continues to expand its asset base, with 15 transmission projects currently in various stages of development and construction. In addition, rising population levels and ongoing residential development across its service territories should drive higher demand for electricity distribution services, creating additional growth opportunities. Given its highly regulated business model, resilient earnings profile, and visible long-term growth prospects, I believe Hydro One would make an excellent addition to your TFSA.

Waste Connections

Another stock that would be an excellent fit for your TFSA is Waste Connections (TSX:WCN), a leading provider of non-hazardous solid waste management services. The company operates primarily in secondary and exclusive markets across Canada and the United States, where it faces less competition and benefits from strong pricing power and industry-leading margins.

Waste Connections has expanded its business through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth, supporting robust financial performance and impressive shareholder returns. Over the past decade, the stock has generated a total return of approximately 317%, representing an annualized gain of 15.4%.

Looking ahead, the company continues to grow its asset base and is constructing six additional renewable natural gas (RNG) facilities, which could come online by the end of this year. In addition, its strong cash flow generation and healthy balance sheet should enable it to maintain an active acquisition strategy, supported by a pipeline of private businesses representing roughly $5 billion in annual revenue.

Given the essential nature of its services, resilient business model, and attractive long-term growth opportunities, I believe Waste Connections presents an excellent buying opportunity for long-term TFSA investors.

Fool contributor Rajiv Nanjapla has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Waste Connections. The Motley Fool recommends Dollarama. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Average $1,500 per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

These two Canadian dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

drinker sniffs wine in a glass
Energy Stocks

What the Average Canadian TFSA Balance Looks Like at 70

Many Canadians reach 70 with a solid TFSA balance. The next step is choosing investments that can keep delivering income…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Stocks for Beginners

A Smart Strategy to Use Your TFSA to Effectively Double Your $7,000 Contribution

A $7,000 TFSA contribution may not seem life-changing today, but the right TSX stocks could turn it into a much…

Read more »

Data Center Engineer Using Laptop Computer crypto mining
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Set to Profit From Canada’s Data Centre Buildout

AI data centres may feel like software, but their massive power needs could make Brookfield Renewable a stealth winner.

Read more »

woman looks at iPhone
Dividend Stocks

Is Telus’s Dividend Still Worth Counting On?

Telus stock currently offers an eye-catching 11.3% dividend yield, which is hard for income-focused investors to ignore.

Read more »

Abstract technology background image with standing businessman
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Set to Make a Fortune From Canada’s Data Centre Buildout

Brookfield Corp (TSX:BN) is a Canadian asset manager deeply involved in data centres.

Read more »

Nurse uses stethoscope to listen to a girl's heartbeat
Dividend Stocks

Create the Perfect July TFSA with a 6.2% Monthly Payout

This TSX dividend stock has rewarded investors with strong gains while continuing to deliver monthly income, and it may still…

Read more »

combine machine works the farm harvest
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Dividend Stock I’d Buy Before Inflation Heats Up Again

Rising inflation could put pressure on many investments, but this Canadian dividend stock has the business strength to keep rewarding…

Read more »