In Canada’s gig-friendly economy, side hustles aren’t just about making a little extra; they can also become serious income streams. From leveraging local skills to capitalizing on seasonal demand, Canadians are finding creative ways to earn without sacrificing flexibility, and the best part is that many of these opportunities require minimal startup costs. Here are 20 Canadian side hustles that actually pay well:
Freelance Copywriting
Canadian businesses are constantly seeking writers who can capture attention and drive sales, making freelance copywriting a lucrative side gig. With clients ranging from local shops to national brands, skilled wordsmiths can charge anywhere from $50 to $150 an hour, depending on expertise. Platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn make it easy to connect with projects, and niche specialties, like writing for sustainability or tech, command higher rates. Plus, the work is entirely remote.
Real Estate Photography
With Canada’s competitive property market, real estate agents are always looking for professional-quality photos to make listings stand out. A photographer with a DSLR, wide-angle lens, and some editing know-how can earn $150 to $500 per shoot, depending on location and property size. It’s a flexible gig, often fitting into evenings and weekends, and repeat business from agents can lead to steady work, while adding drone photography for aerial shots boosts rates even further.
Tutoring in High-Demand Subjects
Parents and students across Canada are willing to pay well for tutoring in subjects like math, sciences, and French. Rates often range from $25 to $60 per hour, with higher pay for specialized skills such as SAT prep or university-level courses, and the rise of online learning platforms means you can work with students from anywhere in the country without leaving your home. Tutors who develop a strong track record often see steady referrals, turning this into a year-round income stream.
Mobile Car Detailing
Busy Canadians appreciate the convenience of having their vehicles cleaned and polished at home or at work. Mobile car detailing can bring in $100 to $300 per job, especially for premium services like paint protection or interior steam cleaning. With modest startup costs, mostly cleaning supplies and portable equipment, this side hustle can turn a tidy profit quickly. The work is seasonal in some provinces, but summer months often see high demand. Marketing through social media and local classifieds can secure regular clients, particularly in suburban and urban areas where time-saving services are highly valued.
Airbnb Hosting
For Canadians with extra space, a basement suite, cottage, or even a spare room, Airbnb hosting can generate substantial income. Earnings vary by location but can easily reach $1,000 to $3,000 a month in popular tourist areas, while seasonal spikes during festivals, ski season, or summer holidays boost profitability. Hosting requires effort in guest communication, cleaning, and property upkeep, but many outsource these tasks to maximize time. With careful pricing and good reviews, it’s a side hustle that can grow into a reliable revenue stream.
Selling Handmade Goods Online
Platforms like Etsy and Shopify have made it easier than ever for Canadians to sell handmade products, from jewelry and pottery to candles and knitwear. Skilled makers can charge premium prices, especially for items with a unique design or local flair. At the same time, holiday seasons bring surges in demand, and consistent branding helps build a loyal customer base. Although the competition is strong, quality craftsmanship and storytelling about your process can set you apart.
Social Media Management
Small businesses across Canada often struggle to maintain a strong online presence, opening the door for skilled social media managers. If you know how to create engaging posts, track analytics, and grow followers, you can charge $300 to $1,000 per month per client. The work is highly flexible and can be done remotely, making it a perfect fit for evenings and weekends. Specializing in certain industries, like restaurants, real estate, or fitness, can help you command higher rates.
Personal Fitness Training
Whether it’s in-home sessions, outdoor boot camps, or online coaching, personal trainers in Canada can charge $40 to $100 an hour. Certification from a recognized body like Canfitpro boosts credibility and client trust, and many trainers specialize in niches like postpartum fitness, senior mobility, or weight loss programs, which can help build a loyal clientele. Offering flexible hours allows you to work around your main job, while word-of-mouth referrals can quickly expand your schedule.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
With busy schedules and frequent travel, Canadian pet owners often need reliable care for their furry companions. Dog walkers can make $15 to $30 per walk, while pet sitters can earn $30 to $60 a day, sometimes more for overnight stays. Platforms like Rover and Pawshake make it easy to connect with local clients, but personal referrals often lead to repeat business.
Wedding Officiating
In provinces where certification is relatively straightforward, becoming a wedding officiant can be a surprisingly lucrative side hustle. Officiants typically earn $150 to $500 per ceremony, with higher rates for custom scripts or travel. Peak season runs from late spring to early fall, and weekends are especially busy. Building relationships with wedding planners, photographers, and venues can lead to steady referrals.
Seasonal Landscaping
During Canada’s warmer months, landscaping services, from lawn care to garden design, are in high demand. Rates vary but often range from $25 to $50 an hour, with larger projects fetching more. Startup costs are relatively low if you already own basic tools, and repeat clients can provide consistent work through spring and summer. Specializing in eco-friendly or native plant landscaping can help you stand out and attract environmentally conscious customers.
Translation Services
Canada’s bilingual nature creates a steady need for translators, especially in French and English. Freelance translators can charge $0.10 to $0.25 per word, depending on the complexity and industry, while specializing in legal, medical, or technical translations can command higher rates. Most work is remote, allowing for maximum flexibility, and repeat clients often provide ongoing projects. Translation tools can speed up workflow, but accuracy and cultural nuance are key to maintaining credibility.
Home Staging
With real estate markets moving quickly, home staging has become an important service for sellers. Stagers can earn $500 to $2,000 per project, depending on property size and the scope of work, which can involve anything from rearranging existing furniture to fully furnishing a vacant home. Strong design skills, an eye for detail, and networking with realtors are essential for success, while many stagers also rent out their own furniture inventory for additional income. It’s a side hustle that combines creativity with solid financial returns, especially in Canada’s hottest housing markets.
Food Truck or Market Stall
Operating a food truck or setting up at local farmers’ markets can be a profitable weekend venture. Depending on the menu and location, vendors can earn several hundred to a few thousand dollars in a single day. While there’s an upfront investment in equipment and permits, creative menus and locally sourced ingredients can attract loyal customers, and seasonal events, festivals, and markets offer prime selling opportunities. For passionate cooks, this side hustle provides a way to share culinary talent with the community while tapping into Canada’s growing street food culture.
Resume and LinkedIn Profile Writing
With competition for jobs at an all-time high, many Canadians are willing to pay for professional help with their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Writers in this niche can charge $100 to $400 per package, often with quick turnaround times, and knowledge of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and current hiring trends gives you an edge. This work can be done entirely online, and satisfied clients often refer friends and colleagues.
House Painting
House painting is a side hustle with relatively low barriers to entry and high demand, especially in spring and summer. Painters can charge $20 to $50 per hour, or a flat rate for larger projects. Offering specialty finishes or eco-friendly paints can set you apart. The work can be scheduled around your main job, and satisfied homeowners often lead to referrals for friends and neighbors. With minimal investment in tools and materials, house painting can quickly become a reliable and profitable source of extra income.
Voice-Over Work
With Canada’s growing content creation industry, there is a steady demand for voice-over talent for commercials, e-learning, and audiobooks. Rates vary widely, from $50 for short projects to several hundred dollars per hour for professional gigs, and only a decent microphone, soundproofing, and a strong demo reel can get you started. Many voice actors work entirely from home, auditioning online and delivering files digitally. This side hustle is perfect for those with a clear, expressive voice and the ability to take direction well.
Event Bartending
From weddings to corporate events, freelance bartenders in Canada can earn $20 to $50 an hour plus tips. Certification in responsible alcohol service, such as Smart Serve in Ontario, is often required, and this gig offers flexible hours, mainly evenings and weekends, and a chance to work in lively, social settings. Skilled mixologists who can craft custom cocktails often get booked quickly and can command higher rates. Event bartending is ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced environments and want to combine a side income with meeting new people.
Tech Support for Small Businesses
Many small businesses in Canada can’t afford full-time IT staff, making freelance tech support a valuable service. Rates often range from $30 to $100 an hour, depending on expertise, and services can include troubleshooting hardware issues, setting up networks, or managing cybersecurity. The work can be done in person or remotely, and reliable tech specialists often develop long-term client relationships. For those with strong technical skills, this side hustle offers both high earning potential and the satisfaction of keeping businesses running smoothly.
Seasonal Tour Guiding
Canada’s tourism industry offers great opportunities for part-time tour guides, especially in cities with historic sites, national parks, or cultural festivals. Guides can earn $20 to $40 per hour, plus tips, with peak demand during summer and holiday seasons, while knowledge of local history, nature, or cultural traditions makes tours more engaging and can lead to repeat bookings. This side hustle is ideal for outgoing personalities who enjoy meeting people from around the world, and it is also a great way to share your passion for your hometown while earning extra income.
21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit
If trade tensions escalate between Canada and the U.S., everyday essentials can suddenly disappear or skyrocket in price. Products like pantry basics and tech must-haves that depend on are deeply tied to cross-border supply chains and are likely to face various kinds of disruptions
21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit
