There are many, many options for people looking for a side hustle, including some that take advantage of your vehicle or your home, and some that allow you to complete tasks online from any location you like.
A side hustle in Canada can be defined as a side job or additional work outside of your typical occupation that earns you some extra money. It can be related to your 9-to-5 job, but doesn't need to be – the key is to find a side hustle that doesn't feel like work. If you're going to be using your downtime to make money and beef up your savings account, you might as well make it enjoyable.
But we understand that inspiration can be tough, so we've compiled a list of 20 easy side hustles in Canada.
Key Takeaways
- There are side hustle options that require little effort and some that require more – the financial reward usually reflects this.
- There are many side hustles that you can do from the comfort of your own home, online or otherwise.
- You have several options if you'd like to use your vehicle to work a side hustle.
- Starting a side hustle sometimes requires startup costs and supplies, but not always.
- Almost all side hustles will require you to have a phone and/or a computer.
Overview of 20 easy side hustles in Canada
Before jumping into a side hustle endeavour, find out what's involved in a particular job, what tools or equipment you might need, and what the startup costs are.
Here's an overview of the top 20 side hustle ideas in Canada and what's required to start and maintain them.
You can scroll through each category below.
| Side hustle | Startup costs | Required equipment or tools |
|---|---|---|
| Transcription | None | * Computer |
| Tutor | None | * Phone and/or computer |
| Social media management or virtual assisting | None | * Computer |
| Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork | * Varies | * Computer |
| Sell digital products | None | * Computer |
| Monetize a personal brand | None | * Computer |
| Food delivery or rideshare | * Cost of vehicle cleaning, maintenance, etc. | * Vehicle * Phone * Computer (possibly) |
| Personal shopping | * Cost of vehicle maintenance, etc. | * Vehicle * Phone * Computer (possibly) |
| Custom merchandise | * Price of Cricut * Material costs | * Cricut * Various crafting supplies * Phone and/or computer |
| Airbnb / local hospitality | * Service fees * Costs for house cleaning (either outsourced or DIY) | * A home, structure, or land (that you own) * Phone and/or computer * Cleaning products (possibly) |
| Home-based food business | * Ingredient costs * Kitchen supplies (possibly) * License | * Kitchen supplies * Phone (possibly) * Computer (possibly) |
| Flipping free items | None | * Vehicle (possibly) * Phone and/or computer |
| Childcare | * Insurance * Toys, books, and/or craft supplies (possibly) * Food costs (possibly) | * Toys, books, and/or craft supplies * Phone and/or computer |
| Odd jobs | None | * Vehicle * Tools (possibly) * Phone and/or computer |
| Pet care / dog-walking | None | * Phone |
| Housesitting | None | * Vehicle (possibly) |
| House cleaning | * Cost of cleaning products (possibly) | * Vehicle * Cleaning products (possibly) |
| Car cleaning | * Cost of cleaning supplies | * Cleaning supplies * Phone and/or computer |
| Rent out your tools | None | * Tools * Phone and/or computer |
| Perform marriages | * Registration/ordination costs (possibly) | * Phone and/or computer |
Status of current Canadian job market
85% of Canadians say they are concerned their income is not enough for the cost of living.
- Rising inflation: Inflation increased to almost 3% in spring 2024, and the Toronto Star's article "Our cost-of-living crisis" reported that grocery costs shot up 40% over 3 years
- Slow job market: Job Bank recently reported higher unemployment and minor losses in full-time employment, even with a growing labour pool
Prices are rising while wages stay the same, which is pushing Canadians to get creative with side hustles to supplement their day jobs. In fact, nearly 9 million Canadians reported that they had some kind of side hustle in 2023, more than double the number in 2022.
Best online side hustles
Many of the best side hustle options in Canada don't require anything more than a phone and/or computer and an internet connection. If you're nervous about investing time and energy into a new endeavour, an online side hustle can be a great place to start.
Here are 6 convenient and valuable options for online side hustles.
1. Transcription
If you have excellent listening skills and can type very fast, consider a side hustle in transcription. All you need is a reliable internet connection and native-level English. If you’re fluent in other languages too, this opens you up to further opportunities in transcription – and translation jobs in general.
Earning potential: $20 - $25 per hour
How to get started:
- Take a typing speed test
- Submit to companies like Babbletype
- Buy a transcribing pedal (if necessary)
- Get paid per word
2. Tutor
From English tutoring for international students to subject matter expert lessons, sharing your expertise as a tutor is a great way to make hourly cash. Post-secondary education is usually required. Charge affordably, and students will seek you out if your time zone and price work for them.
Earning potential: $19 to $37 per hour
How to get started:
- Decide what you will teach (ESL or subject matter)
- Acquire a TESOL or TEFL certificate (if necessary)
- Sign up with a platform or promote yourself
- VIPKid is a popular company that pays native English speakers to teach kids in China
3. Social media management or virtual assistant
Many businesses and individuals need help with their online presence, from managing social media content creation to virtual assistant work like research and administration. If you have a cell phone or computer and a reliable internet connection, go ahead and advertise your services.
Earning potential: $22 to $41 per hour
How to get started:
- Decide what kind of services you want to offer
- Put together a portfolio or a description of the service
- Advertise in online forums, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn
4. Freelance on Fiverr or Upwork
On these platforms, you'll find freelance editors, musicians, animators, SEO experts, and more. You can offer a skill you already have, like fitness instruction or marketing, or you can learn a new skill, like voiceover work. List as many skills as you want – clients are already there.
Earning potential: $5 to $1,160 per project
How to get started:
- Sign up for Fiverr, Upwork, or another gig platform
- Research and decide what service you want to sell
- Promote yourself by making your profile irresistible
5. Sell digital products
Write a nonfiction guide on your favourite topic, like balcony gardening. Simply create a to-do list template – as many as you want! – and advertise your guide. With digital products, you put the work in once and then reap the rewards forever.
Earning potential: $0.99 to $49 per sale
How to get started:
- Find a topic you’re passionate about (and that’s popular online)
- Create a digital resource for people
- List it online as a print-on-demand book at Amazon or as a digital download on Etsy
- Inform individuals and/or businesses who might want to purchase it
6. Monetize a personal brand
It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but creating and monetizing a personal brand can be a highly profitable long-term side hustle. Whether you choose YouTube, a blog, a podcast, or a newsletter, a personal brand will create an audience for you that makes it possible to sell ads, sell merchandise, and engage in affiliate marketing.
Earning potential: Limitless
How to get started:
- Consider topics and passions for your personal brand (some are easier to monetize than others, like video game streaming and financial literacy)
- Decide what your personal brand will be
- Start creating and posting content on at least one platform regularly
- Once you have an audience, you can monetize your YouTube channel, charge for a newsletter, begin affiliate marketing, or get sponsors
Legit side hustles: Use your vehicle
From rideshare driving to personal shopping, there are ways that you can use the vehicle you already own to help you earn extra money. After all, you've already made the investment to have a car in the first place, so why not use it?
Here are 2 examples of side hustle ideas for people who have vehicles of various sizes.
7. Food delivery or rideshare driving
Earn a cut of restaurant delivery service prices by signing up as a delivery driver for SkipTheDishes, DoorDash, Foodora, Uber Eats, or any similar company. If you don’t own a car, you can bike. Driving passengers for Uber or Lyft can be profitable, too.
Earning potential: $16 to $23 per hour
How to get started:
- Decide if you want to take passengers or not
- Carefully compare the costs and benefits of driving your car more often
- Sign up with one or more companies/platforms
- Drive during peak hours to make the most money
- Make sure you have top-notch car insurance
8. Personal shopper
Most of us hate grocery shopping, but what if you got paid for it? You could advertise on your own, or you could sign up directly with a company like Instacart, Loblaws, or Hudson’s Bay that uses personal shoppers.
Earning potential: $17 to $24 per hour
How to get started:
- Choose a store to sign up with (hint: pick one where you know the layout)
- Provide a background check and wait for company/store approval
- Sign up for shifts and start earning on your own schedule
Work from home with a side hustle
Especially if you work outside of the home all week, side hustle ideas like baking or crafting can sound much more appealing than hustles that require you to leave the house. A work-from-home option can also be beneficial for people with children or pets who need supervision.
And don't worry, these ideas provide just as much money – and fun! – as those that require you to go out.
9. Custom merchandise
We’re not getting a kickback for this, but the Cricut is a very versatile tool + app combo for handy side hustlers. Get help designing in the app, and then the machine makes it real. All you need is the supplies.
Earning potential: Varies (depending on items created, clientele, and location)
How to get started:
- Buy a Cricut or similar tool
- Research "Cricut projects" on Pinterest
- Pick a few ideas to test out, like personalized baby onesies or pantry shelf labels
- Sell your designs on a classifieds site or Etsy
10. Airbnb / local hospitality
If you have an extra room and don't mind meeting a lot of new people, Airbnb can work for you. You can be urban or rural. You could even offer your space as a long-term rental to a student. Local hospitality experiences are also very popular, such as Airbnb Experiences, which offers tours and experiences with locals.
Earning potential: Varies (depends on location and services you offer)
How to get started:
- Decide if you want to rent a room or create an experience
- Carefully consider your budget and how many bookings you’d need to earn a profit
- Room: Take good photos and write an inviting description
- Experience: Create something unique for tourists, like a bicycle tour of local restaurants or a beach walk with wildlife
- Advertise your offering on websites like Airbnb
11. Home-based food business
Baked goods and home-prepared meals can be very popular and profitable. If you’re already skilled in the kitchen, try offering your goods as an alternative to grocery store deliveries for your neighbours or local shops.
Earning potential: Varies (depends on location and products you offer)
How to get started:
- Choose a specific type of food you want to sell
- Create sample items, ask friends and family for feedback, and take photos
- Sell made-to-order items to locals or ask shops to carry your goodies
- Try specializing (focus solely on birthday cakes, corporate event appetizers, etc.)
Other types of side hustles
Whether it's flipping furniture, performing marriages, cleaning cars, or something else entirely, side hustles in this category can generate cash as long as you’re willing to put in the work and creativity.
12. Flipping free items
Some of our favourite sites for finding free or cheap stuff include various Facebook groups (including Marketplace), Kijiji, Freecycle, eBay, and even Amazon. If you have some extra space and a vehicle that can carry big loads, you can easily pick up and resell items for cheap.
Earning potential: Varies, depending on the item sold, platform used, etc.
How to get started:
- Look for free items online that could be easily cleaned up and resold at a higher price
- Decide on the cheapest way to improve the item (painting furniture, mending clothing, etc.)
- Re-list the item using complementary photographs and a detailed, descriptive caption
- Sell it for a profit
13. Childcare
If you love kids and being around them all day, try being an out-of-home part-time nanny or start an in-home daycare. Depending on the ages, you could watch multiple children at once. Gather some art supplies and toys, brush up on your CPR training, and rake in the cash.
Keep in mind the various regulations in place for unlicensed childcare. Here's a resource for child care rules and practices in Ontario.
Earning potential: $25 a day per child (depends on location and ages)
How to get started:
- For out-of-home childcare, create a profile on SitterCity or Care.com
- For in-home childcare, create safe areas for playing, sleeping, and eating
- Advertise to local parents
- Charge by the month for predictable income
14. Odd jobs
From removing snow to mounting people’s television sets, odd jobs and seasonal jobs are the classic side hustles. List yourself as available for all kinds of tasks in your neighbourhood.
Earning potential: Varies by task and location
How to get started:
- Join TaskRabbit, EasyShift, and Gigwalk to check for odd jobs nearby
- Try furniture assembly and moving services for the most cash
- Try snow removal or watering gardens for less cash
- Set your own rates and wait for people to book you
15. Pet care / dog-walking
Take care of pets in their own homes, or sign up to board them or walk them. If you have experience with disabled animals or exotic pets, you could earn top dollar.
Earning potential: $15 to $26 per hour
How to get started:
- Choose whether to board, housesit, drop-in, or walk animals
- Sign up with Rover to set your pay and hours, or post an ad on a few classifieds sites
- Earn more cash by taking multiple dogs on a walk ( if the owners are amenable)
- Build a list of regular clients to avoid competing online
16. Housesitting
People need housesitters when they travel, either for short-term or long-term trips. This usually includes you staying at their residence, watering plants, watching pets, and collecting the mail. Be aware that some people expect you to housesit for free, especially if the house is luxurious or located in a high-demand city.
Earning potential: $17 to $33 per hour
How to get started:
- Sign up for a site like House Sitters Canada and TrustedHousesitters
- Create a profile that explains why you’re the best for the job
- Apply for gigs
17. House cleaning
Many people are willing to pay to have someone else take care of their house cleaning. You can ask the homeowner to provide the cleaning supplies, or charge them if you bring your own. Remember to think about gas for the commute.
Earning potential: $14 to $21 per hour (varies significantly by location)
How to get started:
- List your services in community forums, Facebook groups, and with friends
- Get your own cleaning supplies, or only take jobs with provided supplies
- Charge hourly to clean homes nearby
- Encourage word-of-mouth referrals to grow your business
18. Car cleaning
There are low start-up costs to becoming a mobile car detailer and washer. Either use your clients’ hose and vacuum onsite, bringing only soap and sponges, or ask clients to drop off their cars for you to clean. Interior detailing is even more profitable.
Earning potential: $12 to $20 per hour
How to get started:
- Set up an ad on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji, or post flyers in your area
- Choose a competitive price point and create a niche for yourself (like sports cars or family SUVs)
- Decide how you’ll accept payment (50% upfront or on completion? Interac e-Transfer or cash?)
- Clean the vehicle thoroughly
- Document the process and collect testimonials to grow your business
- Give discounts for return clients
19. Rent out your tools
If you’re a handy person with a garage full of tools (or toys), try renting them out to locals who need a short-term loan. You can list on an app like the Good Neighbour or RentMyTool, or you can list your rentals on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji.
Pro tip: Only loan out the things you don’t mind getting back damaged – not everyone is as conscientious as you are.
Earning potential: $5 to $50 per rental
How to get started:
- Inventory your tools to choose the ones you want to rent out
- Consider easy-to-use items such as hammers, pressure washers, shop vacs, and tape measures
- Clean your tools so they’re ready to go
- Post clear photos of your tools and detailed descriptions that include the brand, size, and other info
- Set a strict return policy and reasonable rental rate
- Check your tools upon receipt
20. Perform marriages
Join the ranks of celebrities who’ve been ordained, like Lady Gaga, Benedict Cumberbatch, and the unforgettable Joey Tribbiani.
However, while it’s legal for untrained officiants to perform marriage ceremonies in many parts of Canada, it’s not the case everywhere. Rules vary, but Ontario and Quebec appear not to permit online ordained ministers. Other provinces may allow you to register as a temporary officiant by filling out a form.
Earning potential: $300 per ceremony (varies by location)
How to get started:
- Get certified and ordained online through the Universal Life Church or a similar organization
- Tell your friends and family that you’re available
- Partner with event planners, florists, and venues to offer your services
- Study wedding ceremony design and scripts
- Charge per ceremony
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$25 GeniusCash + Delicious meal choices with fresh ingredients + Front-door delivery.How to select the right side hustle for you
Consider the following factors to find a side hustle that will fit your lifestyle:
- Interests: Are you passionate about sports, music, construction, animals?
- Skills/talent: What are you already good at? Do you have past projects to showcase?
- Hours per week: Can you spare just a few hours per week, or more like 10-20?
- Earning potential: Are you willing to do inconvenient, time-consuming hustles for extra earnings?
- Required equipment and tools: Do you already have a car, a Cricut, or a musical instrument for your side hustle?
A sustainable, profitable side hustle will be one that fits into your existing lifestyle while predictably generating enough cash to be worth the effort. For instance, if you work 40 hours at your day job and you add another 20 hours for a side hustle, that’s a 60-hour work week.
Legit online platforms to start your new side hustle
Here are a few legit, helpful online platforms to help you with your online side hustle:
- Upwork (various)
- Fiverr (various)
- 3Play Media (transcription)
- VIPkid (ESL tutoring)
If you want to try a work-from-home side hustle or one that uses your vehicle, try looking at these platforms:
For other types of side hustles, try these platforms:
Common mistakes to avoid when starting a side hustle
To make sure your side hustle is profitable, efficient, and safe, you'll want to avoid making mistakes like these:
- Underpricing: Imposter syndrome plays a role here, but be careful not to undervalue yourself and your service/product.
- Skipping research: Research is needed to tell whether your side hustle idea meets a need, how much competition is out there, what you should charge, and more.
- Not tracking finances: Avoid personal and financial stress by tracking all financial dealings (income and expenses!) with a spreadsheet, tracking tool, or a budget app.
- Spreading yourself too thin: Doing too many things at once is terrible for your physical and mental health, and burnout means you can't do anything or make any money at all.
- Giving up too soon: It can take time to be successful, so set realistic expectations and change your approach as needed.
- Not planning for taxes: Proper planning can help you avoid a huge bill at tax time.
Tax implications of side hustles in Canada
If you're earning money, you need to report your income. This is true for regular employment, side hustles, and just about everything else.
As mentioned above, it's important to keep track of your expenses. This includes things like equipment, professional fees, and even travel costs.
Depending on the type of side hustle you practice, you may also be eligible for home office deductions, as if you work from home. For this, you should keep track of costs related to utilities, insurance, rent, home maintenance, etc.
It's also important to remember that if your side hustle earns you more than $30,000 in 12 months, you'll need to register for GST/HST and charge your clients the appropriate tax amounts.
Using budget software can make tracking your side hustle expenses much easier, and, therefore, help with planning for taxes.
Here are the steps to take when it comes time to file your taxes:
- Fill out a T2125 form (part of the T1 General Income Tax and Benefit Return). This includes details about your side hustle, such as income and expenses.
- If your business is incorporated, complete the T2 corporation income tax return as well as Schedule 125 (Income Statement Information).
- Add your net income from the T2125 form to the correct line on your T1 General Form. It will be added to your general income from your day job to determine what, if anything, you owe for taxes.
FAQ
What are some side hustle ideas in Canada?
You can try online work, like transcription or web-based tutoring. Or you can just go to Fiverr.com, browse the listings, and find inspiration to offer a unique service for the clients who are already there.
How can I make an extra $1,000 a month in Canada?
If you do have a vehicle, try food delivery or ridesharing. It’s relatively easy to get started and offers a predictable $250+ per week if driving during peak hours. Otherwise, try tutoring or creating custom merch with a Cricut.
How can I make $1,000 fast in Canada?
Try flipping free items (from home or elsewhere) on free classified sites. Fix, clean, and improve the item as needed, then stage for photos and list at a high price – large furniture items can sell for $200+.
How can I make $2,000 a month side hustle?
A $2,000 per month side hustle may require some build-up time. Still, plenty of tutors, childcare professionals, social media managers, dog walkers, house cleaners and other side hustlers in Canada make this amount or more per month.
Are there ways to have side hustles from home in Canada?
Yes, there are some fun and lucrative side hustles you can do from the comfort of your own home – no commute necessary. A few ideas are pet sitting, making personalized gifts with a Cricut machine, and offering childcare services.
How do you start a side hustle in Canada?
Many of the side hustle ideas we listed above require you to either set up an account with an app or website, or create a listing on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, etc., to advertise the product or service you’re offering.
How to make quick cash in Canada?
The two fastest ways to make money in Canada are to sell things you already own or sign up for a food delivery service. You don’t even need a car to deliver food if you have a bike or eBike.
Do I need to register my side hustle as a business?
Typically, you're only required to register your business if you earn more than $30,000 in a year. You're no longer considered a "small supplier" at this point and will have to pay taxes accordingly or risk a fine.
Do I need to register for HST, GST, or QST?
If you make less than $30,000 annually, you don't have to register for HST, GST or QST. It's worth your while to charge HST/GST/QST at this point anyway, since you can recoup some of your initial investment.
Do I need insurance or licenses to start a side hustle in Canada?
You'll only need a license if your specific trade or profession requires it. You definitely will need special insurance if you're using your home or vehicle for your side hustle, like running a home daycare or driving for Uber.
Are profitable side hustles in Canada a thing?
Renting your car out through Turo, using Airbnb to list your basement guest suite as a vacation rental, and creating experiences for tourists all offer opportunities for you to make good money. And hopefully, you'll have fun doing it too.
What are the best online side hustles in Canada?
The best online side hustles will be the ones that work best for your schedule and provide enjoyment as well as income. There are some interesting options listed above, but it's up to you to decide which is best.
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