2 Best ETFs for Long-Term Investing in Canada (June 2026)
The best ETFs for long-term investing in Canada include VEQT.TO (~0.20% MER), VFV.TO (~0.06%), VGRO.TO (~0.24%), and XAW.TO (~0.22%). These ETFs offer diversified equity exposure, low fees, and strong growth potential, making them ideal for TFSAs, RRSPs, and long-term wealth-building strategies.
Long-term investing ETFs in Canada are designed for investors who want to grow their wealth over time through consistent exposure to the stock market. These ETFs focus on diversification, low fees, and compounding returns over decades.
ETFs like VEQT.TO and VFV.TO are popular because they provide broad market exposure with strong long-term growth potential. Whether you prefer global diversification or U.S.-focused investing, these ETFs can form the core of a long-term portfolio.
In this guide, we break down the best ETFs for long-term investing in Canada, comparing diversification, fees, and growth potential.
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 | 1.33% | +12.53% | +32.33% |
VFV.TO Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF | — | $32.9B | 0.89% | +11.90% | +30.20% |
What Is an ETF?
A long-term investment ETF in Canada is typically a low-cost, diversified fund designed to be held for many years, focusing on capital appreciation rather than short-term income.
For example, VEQT.TO (~0.20% MER) provides global equity exposure across developed and emerging markets, while VFV.TO (~0.06%) tracks the S&P 500, offering concentrated exposure to large U.S. companies. VGRO.TO (~0.24%) adds a small bond allocation for reduced volatility, and XAW.TO (~0.22%) offers global diversification excluding Canada.
These ETFs are commonly held in TFSAs, RRSPs, and long-term portfolios where compounding and market growth play a key role.
The 2 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed
Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio
$60.89
+12.53% YTD
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
Returns
YTD
+12.53%
1Y
+32.33%
3Y
+21.53%
5Y
+13.62%
Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF
$186.96
+11.90% YTD
Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF seeks to track, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a broad U.S. equity index that measures the investment return of large-capitalization U.S. stocks. Currently, this Vanguard ETF seeks to track the S&P 500 Index (or any successor thereto). It invests directly or indirectly primarily in stocks of U.S. companies.
Returns
YTD
+11.90%
1Y
+30.20%
3Y
+23.87%
5Y
+16.88%
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong long-term growth potential through market exposure
- Benefits from compounding over time
- Low fees compared to actively managed funds
- Broad diversification reduces individual stock risk
Cons
- Short-term volatility can be significant
- Requires patience and long investment horizon
- Market downturns can impact returns in the short term
- Less focus on income compared to dividend or bond ETFs
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 for long-term investing in Canada?
VEQT.TO is one of the best long-term ETFs for Canadians due to its global diversification and simple all-in-one structure. VFV.TO is another popular option for investors focused on U.S. market growth.
Should I invest in ETFs for the long term?
Yes, ETFs are ideal for long-term investing because they offer diversification, low fees, and exposure to market growth. Over time, compounding returns can significantly increase portfolio value.
Is it better to choose global or U.S. ETFs long term?
Global ETFs like VEQT.TO provide broader diversification, while U.S.-focused ETFs like VFV.TO offer exposure to some of the world’s largest companies. Many investors use a combination depending on their strategy.