Which Side Hustles in Canada Actually Make Money?
In recent years, more Canadians than ever are turning to side hustles to boost their income, pay off debt, fight rising living costs, and build financial security. With inflation fluctuating, housing costs climbing, and everyday expenses increasing, an extra source of income has become not just helpful, but sometimes necessary.
The good news? Growing digital platforms, gig apps, remote work opportunities, and Canada’s thriving freelance market have opened doors for flexible, profitable side income options.
But with so many ideas circulating online, the real question is: Which side hustles in Canada actually make money?
This blog focuses on genuine, practical, and profitable side hustle ideas tailored specifically for Canadians in cities, small towns, and rural areas. Whether you want a part-time gig, a weekend income boost, or a long-term side business, you’ll find proven ideas here that can help you start earning right away.
Which side hustles in Canada actually make money?
1. Freelancing on Canadian-Friendly Platforms
Freelancing continues to be one of the most profitable side hustles for Canadians, thanks to flexible hours, unlimited earning potential, and high demand across multiple industries.
Best freelance skills in demand:
- Writing & editing
- Graphic design
- Web development
- Video editing
- Social media management
- Digital marketing
- Bookkeeping
- Admin support
Where Canadians can find clients:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Guru
- Local businesses that need part-time help
What you earn: Freelancers in Canada typically earn $25 – $150/hour, depending on your skill level.
Why it actually makes money:
Businesses prefer hiring freelancers because it’s affordable and flexible. If you build a good reputation, you can earn consistent part-time income without leaving your main job.
2. Selling on Etsy or Shopify
(Handmade, Digital Products, Printables)
Canada has a massive market for handmade and digital products. Platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and even Facebook Marketplace allow creators to earn steady income online.
Products that sell well in Canada:
- Digital planners & templates
- Printable wall art
- Handmade skincare
- Jewelry
- Candles
- Crochet, knitting & crafts
- Personalized gifts
- Woodwork items
Startup costs: Very low (mostly materials + time). Digital products cost almost nothing to reproduce, making them extremely profitable.
Potential earnings: Side sellers typically earn $500 – $2,000/month, while dedicated sellers earn much more.
Why it actually makes money: Canadians love local, handmade, and customizable items. Digital products generate passive income, make once, sell forever.
3. Online Tutoring or Teaching
Online tutoring is one of the fastest-growing side hustles, especially with students needing extra support and professionals wanting to learn digital skills.
Subjects in high demand:
- English, French, Punjabi, Mandarin
- Math & science
- Business & accounting
- IELTS and CELPIP coaching
- Yoga, meditation, and wellness classes (very trending)
- Coding and computer basics for seniors
Canadian-friendly tutoring platforms:
What are the earnings: Tutors earn $20 – $60/hour; specialized tutors can make over $75/hour.
Why it actually makes money: Education spending is rising in Canada. Students, newcomers, and professionals constantly look for personalized learning.
4. DoorDash, Uber Eats & SkipTheDishes Delivery
Food delivery remains a reliable, flexible, and fast-paying side hustle, especially in Canadian cities.
Requirements:
- Bike, scooter, car, or even walking (in downtown areas)
- Smartphone
- Background check
Potential earnings: Most drivers earn $18 – $35/hour, depending on location and time.
Best cities for delivery income:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Calgary
- Ottawa
- Montreal
Why it actually makes money: You get paid weekly, work your own hours, and can combine multiple apps to maximize earnings.
5. Renting Out a Spare Room, Basement or Parking Spot
If you live in a city, you may be sitting on income without realizing it.
Platforms to use:
Parking spot rental: People near malls, offices, transit stations, and condo areas can rent parking spaces for $100 – $300/month.
Potential earnings: Airbnb hosts in major cities earn $800 – $2,500/month, depending on location.
Why it actually makes money: Canada’s housing shortage creates high demand for short-term and long-term rentals.
6. Pet Sitting, Dog Walking & House Sitting
Canadians adore their pets, and pet care services are booming, especially in urban centers.
Where to list your services:
- Rover
- Pawshake
- TrustedHousesitters
- Facebook groups
Rates in Canada:
- Dog walking: $20 – $40 per walk
- Overnight pet sitting: $40 – $80/night
- House sitting: $30 – $60/day
Why it actually makes money: It has low competition in small towns and very high demand in big cities, especially around holidays.
7. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
Canadian businesses, especially startups, real estate agents, and coaches, are increasingly hiring virtual assistants to manage day-to-day tasks.
VA tasks you can offer:
- Email management
- Social media posting
- Appointment scheduling
- Research
- Customer support
- CRM management
- Travel planning
Potential earnings: Canadian VAs earn $20 – $50/hour.
Why it actually makes money: Small businesses don’t want full-time employees, they prefer flexible, part-time virtual help.
8. Affiliate Marketing & Blogging
If you enjoy writing or creating content, affiliate marketing can turn into a serious income stream.
What you can promote:
- Amazon Canada
- Best Buy
- Canadian brands
- Travel companies
- Finance products
Income potential: Bloggers can earn from $300 to $10,000+/month, depending on website traffic.
Why it actually makes money: You earn commission every time someone buys using your link, even while you sleep.
9. Selling Stock Photos or Videos
If you have a smartphone or camera, this can be passive income gold.
Canadian-friendly platforms:
- Shutterstock
- Adobe Stock
- iStock
- Getty Images
Popular Canadian photo niches:
- Landscapes (Banff, Vancouver, Toronto)
- Seasonal photos (snow, fall, summer)
- Canadian culture
- Food & lifestyle
- Architecture
Earnings: Photographers earn $0.25 to $5 per download, sometimes much more for commercial licenses.
Why it actually makes money: Canadian stock images are always in demand for blogs, marketing, and companies.
10. Starting a YouTube or TikTok Channel
Short-form video content is exploding in Canada. You don’t need a fancy camera as your phone is enough.
Trending niches in Canada:
- Cooking & recipes
- Fitness & yoga
- Canadian travel
- Budget living
- Home renovation
- Immigration tips
- Tech reviews
How creators get paid:
- Ad revenue
- Brand deals
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate income
Earning potential: Small creators can make $200 – $2,000/month, while large channels make much more.
Why it actually makes money: Canadian content creators qualify for YouTube monetization faster now, thanks to micro-content monetization.
11. Part-Time Online Reselling (Flipping)
Reselling is one of the simplest and most profitable side hustles.
Where Canadians sell:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Poshmark
- Depop
- Kijiji
- eBay Canada
Items that sell fast:
- Furniture
- Clothes & shoes
- Electronics
- Gym equipment
- Baby items
- Tools
Potential earnings: Flippers often make $300 – $2,000/month.
Why it actually makes money: You can find free or low-cost items locally and resell them for profit.
12. Teaching Fitness, Yoga & Wellness Classes Online
Wellness is booming in Canada. People look for affordable at-home fitness, meditation, and stress-relief options.
Platforms to offer classes:
- Zoom
- Instagram Live
- YouTube
- ClassPass
- Local community centers
Potential earnings: Instructors earn $25 – $55/hour, sometimes more for private classes.
Why it actually makes money: Health-conscious Canadians prefer personalized, convenient classes.
How to Choose the Best Side Hustle for You
Ask yourself:
- How much time can I commit?
- What skills do I already have?
- Do I prefer online or offline work?
- Do I need quick cash or long-term growth?
- Do I want active income or passive income?
The right side hustle should fit your lifestyle and not overwhelm you.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Grow Smart
The best side hustle is the one you actually start. Canada offers endless opportunities to earn extra income in 2026—from freelancing to digital products, from delivery apps to tutoring. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a home, or simply enjoy more financial freedom, these side hustles can help you reach your goals.
Start with one idea, test it, grow it, and soon you’ll have a reliable income stream that truly makes a difference.