Side hustles have become a major part of the Canadian economy, helping individuals supplement their income while maintaining full-time jobs or studies. Thanks to digital tools, gig platforms, and a flexible market, Canadians now have more ways than ever to earn extra money. Here are some of the most profitable and accessible side hustles in Canada right now.
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a versatile and profitable side hustle for anyone with strong writing skills. Canadian writers can work with businesses, bloggers, and marketing agencies to create blog posts, newsletters, web content, and product descriptions. Many Canadian companies prefer local writers who understand regional language, tone, and culture.
Earnings Potential: $25–$100+ per article, depending on experience and niche.
2. Rideshare or Delivery Driving
Platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes allow Canadians to earn income by driving passengers or delivering food and groceries. This side hustle offers flexibility—work evenings, weekends, or whenever convenient.
Best Cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa
Earnings Potential: $20–$35 per hour (after expenses)
3. Selling on Etsy or Shopify
Canadians with artistic or crafting skills can start a side business selling handmade or digital items on Etsy or run a personal store using Shopify. Products might include candles, digital planners, printables, jewelry, or home décor. Thanks to Canada Post and local suppliers, shipping logistics are manageable even at a small scale.
Earnings Potential: $500–$5,000+ per month, depending on product and volume
4. Tutoring or Teaching Online
Tutoring is in high demand in Canada, especially in subjects like math, English, French, and science. Many tutors teach via Zoom or platforms like Preply, Superprof, or Outschool. Certified teachers or bilingual speakers can also offer language lessons or exam prep services.
Earnings Potential: $25–$75 per hour
5. Virtual Assistant Work
Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, customer service, data entry, and social media support. This side hustle can be started with minimal investment and performed remotely from anywhere in Canada.
Earnings Potential: $20–$50 per hour
6. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketers earn a commission by promoting products or services through their blogs, social media, or YouTube channels. Canadians can join affiliate programs from Amazon.ca, Canadian Tire, Indigo, and international platforms like ClickBank or ShareASale.
Earnings Potential: Ranges from $100 to $10,000+ monthly, depending on traffic and niche
7. Photography and Videography
Freelance photography or videography can be a rewarding and profitable side hustle for creatives. Event photography, real estate shoots, or content for businesses are all in demand. Even smartphone photography can be monetized through stock sites like Adobe Stock or EyeEm.
Earnings Potential: $100–$1,000 per gig (or per client)
8. Social Media Management
Many Canadian small businesses and creators need help managing their social media accounts. If you’re skilled in creating content, writing captions, and understanding trends, social media management can be a profitable side hustle. This can also grow into a freelance or agency-level business.
Earnings Potential: $300–$1,500+ per client monthly
9. Print-on-Demand (POD)
Print-on-demand businesses allow you to design and sell custom apparel, mugs, tote bags, or stickers without managing inventory. Canadians can use platforms like Printful, Gooten, and Shopify to launch their own online brand with Canadian or regional themes.
Earnings Potential: $200–$2,000+ monthly depending on marketing and designs
10. Renting Out Property or Equipment
If you own property, you can rent it out via Airbnb, especially in tourist-heavy provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, or Ontario. Similarly, Canadians rent out gear (cameras, drones, bikes, camping equipment) using peer-to-peer apps like Ruckify.
Earnings Potential:
- Airbnb: $500–$3,000+ per month (depending on location)
- Equipment: $20–$100+ per day/item
11. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet care is a booming industry in Canada. Apps like Rover and Pawshake allow Canadians to offer pet sitting, boarding, and dog walking services in their neighborhood. It’s a flexible and enjoyable side hustle for animal lovers.
Earnings Potential: $15–$30 per walk or visit; $50–$100+ per night for pet sitting
12. Flipping Items Online
Product flipping involves buying underpriced items from thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance sections, and reselling them on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay. Popular items include electronics, furniture, collectibles, and designer clothing.
Earnings Potential: $200–$2,000+ monthly, depending on volume and niche
13. Graphic Design
If you’re proficient in tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva, graphic design is a lucrative side hustle. You can create logos, flyers, business cards, social media content, and more for Canadian businesses, startups, and events.
Earnings Potential: $30–$100+ per project, or monthly retainers of $500+
14. Voiceover Work
Voiceover artists are hired for commercials, audiobooks, YouTube videos, and corporate training videos. With a quality microphone and quiet space, you can work from home and upload files to clients or platforms like Voices.com (a Canadian company).
Earnings Potential: $50–$500+ per gig
15. YouTube Channel or Podcast
Starting a YouTube channel or podcast as a side hustle can be profitable over time. Monetization comes from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links. Topics like Canadian lifestyle, finance, real estate, education, and tech are highly engaging.
Earnings Potential: Initially low, but can grow to $1,000–$10,000+ monthly as your audience grows
Final Thoughts
Side hustles in Canada offer a practical way to boost your income, explore your passions, and even build long-term businesses. Whether it’s leveraging digital platforms, monetizing your talents, or turning hobbies into income streams, these profitable options are ideal for Canadians seeking flexibility and extra earnings in 2025.