Updated January 2026
25+ proven ways to earn extra money in Canada. From delivery apps to freelancing, with realistic earnings in CAD and CRA tax guidance.
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The side hustle economy in Canada is booming. With inflation impacting purchasing power and housing costs at record highs, over 3.2 million Canadians now earn supplemental income through side businesses. The gig economy has expanded beyond major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to smaller markets across all provinces.
Whether you're saving for a down payment, paying off student loans, or building an emergency fund, side hustles offer flexible income opportunities. Canadian platforms have grown significantly, tax reporting has become clearer with CRA guidance, and remote work has opened doors to global opportunities.
This guide covers the best side hustles specifically for Canadian residents in 2026, with realistic earnings in Canadian dollars, Canada-specific platforms, and guidance on CRA reporting and GST/HST obligations.
| Side Hustle | Hourly Rate (CAD) | Startup Cost | Time to First $ | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skip the Dishes Driver | $15-25 | $0-$300 | Same day | Beginner |
| Freelance Writing | $20-60 | $0 | 1-2 weeks | Intermediate |
| Uber/Lyft Driving | $18-30 | $150-400 | 3-7 days | Beginner |
| TaskRabbit Tasker | $20-45 | $50-250 | 3-7 days | Beginner |
| Airbnb Hosting | $400-2,000/mo | $300-700 | 2-4 weeks | Intermediate |
| Web Development | $50-120 | $0-100 | 2-4 weeks | Advanced |
| Online Tutoring | $25-65 | $0-150 | 1-2 weeks | Intermediate |
| Dog Walking (Rover) | $15-30 | $0-75 | 1-2 weeks | Beginner |
| Virtual Assistant | $18-40 | $0 | 2-4 weeks | Beginner |
| Amazon FBA Canada | $600-4,000/mo | $700-2,500 | 4-8 weeks | Intermediate |
Earnings: CAD $15-25/hour (peak times CAD $30+/hour)
Skip the Dishes is Canada's leading food delivery platform, especially strong in smaller cities and provinces outside Ontario and BC. Deliver by car, bike, or scooter with flexible scheduling. Transit times bonuses and peak hour incentives boost earnings significantly.
Best for: Drivers in all provinces, especially Prairie provinces and Atlantic Canada
Requirements: Age 18+, valid driver's license (for car), smartphone, insulated bag
Payment: Weekly direct deposit (Instant Pay available for small fee)
Earnings: CAD $14-24/hour + tips
Strong in major cities across Canada - Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa. Deliver food by car, bike, or scooter. The app shows estimated earnings before accepting orders. Quests and surge pricing during peak hours increase income.
Best for: Urban drivers, cyclists, flexible schedules
Requirements: Age 18+, smartphone, delivery method, background check
Payment: Weekly (instant cash-out available)
Earnings: CAD $16-26/hour
Available nationwide with good coverage in suburban areas. Schedule blocks ahead or Dash Now in busy times. Base pay plus tips, with Peak Pay bonuses during high demand. Popular in mid-sized cities across Canada.
Best for: Car owners, suburban drivers, consistent schedulers
Requirements: Age 18+, valid license, insurance, clean driving record
Payment: Weekly via direct deposit (Fast Pay available daily)
Earnings: CAD $18-30/hour after expenses
Ridesharing is available in most major Canadian cities. Requirements vary by province - some require special licenses or permits. Best earnings during evening/weekend hours, events, and airport runs. Note vehicle age requirements (typically 10 years or newer).
Best for: Car owners with newer vehicles, good conversationalists
Requirements: Age 21+, commercial insurance, background check, vehicle inspection
Startup costs: CAD $200-500 (insurance upgrade, vehicle inspection, licensing)
Earnings: CAD $15-28/hour
Shop and deliver groceries from stores like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Costco, and Metro. Full-service shoppers use their own car; in-store shoppers only shop (available in select locations). Tips can significantly boost income.
Best for: Organized individuals, those who enjoy shopping, daytime availability
Requirements: Age 18+, reliable vehicle (full-service), smartphone, insulated bags
Payment: Weekly direct deposit (Instant Cashout available)
Earnings: CAD $20-60/hour (CAD $0.08-0.40 per word)
Strong demand for Canadian writers who understand local markets, Canadian spelling, and regional nuances. Write blog posts, marketing copy, technical documentation, or journalism. Start on Upwork, Fiverr, or Contently, then build direct clients.
Best for: Strong writers, English/French bilingual advantage, subject matter experts
Canadian platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Contently, Scripted, WriterAccess
Potential monthly income: CAD $800-4,000 part-time
Earnings: CAD $50-120/hour
Huge demand for WordPress, Shopify, and custom web development. Canadian businesses prefer local developers for timezone alignment and communication. Even basic web skills command CAD $40-60/hour. Learn through free resources or bootcamps like Lighthouse Labs or BrainStation.
Best for: Tech-oriented individuals, problem solvers, continuous learners
Skills needed: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, React, or Shopify
Potential monthly income: CAD $2,000-6,000+ part-time
Earnings: CAD $18-40/hour
Provide remote administrative support - calendar management, email handling, data entry, customer service, social media. Many Canadian businesses prefer Canadian VAs for language, timezone, and cultural fit. Specialize in areas like real estate, e-commerce, or bookkeeping for higher rates.
Best for: Organized individuals, former admin staff, stay-at-home parents
Platforms: Upwork, Belay, Time etc, Canadian Virtual Assistant Connection
Potential monthly income: CAD $600-2,500
Earnings: CAD $25-65/hour
Tutor students in academic subjects, test prep, languages, or music. Strong demand for math, science, English, and French tutoring across Canada. Online platforms connect you with students nationwide. Provincial curriculum knowledge is valuable.
Best for: Teachers, university students, subject experts, patient communicators
Canadian platforms: TutorOcean, Superprof Canada, Wyzant, Preply, VIPKid
Potential monthly income: CAD $1,000-4,000
Earnings: CAD $30-90/hour
Create logos, social media graphics, marketing materials, and brand identities. With tools like Canva, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite, you can serve clients globally while living in Canada. Build portfolio through smaller projects, then increase rates as you gain experience.
Best for: Creative individuals, visual thinkers, marketing-minded designers
Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs, Behance, Dribbble
Potential monthly income: CAD $800-5,000
Earnings: CAD $20-45/hour
Available in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Help locals with furniture assembly, moving, handyman tasks, cleaning, and delivery. Set your own rates and schedule. Great for physically capable individuals with basic tool skills.
Best for: Handy individuals, problem solvers, physically active workers
Popular tasks: IKEA assembly, TV mounting, moving help, snow removal (seasonal)
Potential monthly income: CAD $800-3,000
Earnings: CAD $15-30/hour for walking, CAD $35-70/night for sitting
Use Rover or Pawshake to connect with pet owners in your area. Dog walking is perfect for morning/evening income, while pet sitting (especially during holidays) can be very lucrative. Build regular clients for steady income.
Best for: Animal lovers, students, retirees, flexible schedules
Platforms: Rover, Pawshake, Canadian Pet Sitter Network
Potential monthly income: CAD $400-2,000
Earnings: CAD $18-30/hour
Steady demand for reliable, trustworthy cleaners across Canada. Start with friends, family, and neighbors, then expand through Kijiji, Facebook groups, or platforms like Handy. Build recurring clients for predictable income. Consider specialty services like move-out cleaning for higher rates.
Best for: Detail-oriented, physically capable, trustworthy individuals
Startup costs: CAD $75-200 for supplies and liability insurance
Potential monthly income: CAD $700-2,500
Earnings: CAD $25-60/hour
Major opportunity in most Canadian provinces during winter months. Shovel driveways and walkways for residential clients. Invest in a snow blower for efficiency and higher rates. Build a client base for recurring seasonal income. Especially lucrative after major snowfalls.
Best for: Physically fit, early risers, those in snowy regions
Startup costs: CAD $50-800 (shovel to snow blower)
Potential seasonal income: CAD $1,500-6,000 (November-March)
Earnings: CAD $20-45/hour
Lawn mowing, edging, trimming, and basic landscaping from spring through fall. Start with a basic mower and trimmer, expand services as you grow. Market locally through Kijiji, Nextdoor, and community Facebook groups. Seasonal but can be very profitable April-October.
Best for: Outdoors enthusiasts, physically active, entrepreneurial types
Startup costs: CAD $300-800 for equipment
Potential seasonal income: CAD $2,000-7,000 (April-October)
Earnings: CAD $400-2,000/month
Rent out a spare room or your entire property when you're away. Strong demand in tourist areas, major cities, and near ski resorts. Be aware of provincial and municipal regulations - some cities have restrictions or require permits. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have specific short-term rental rules.
Best for: Homeowners with spare space, sociable hosts, tourist area residents
Startup costs: CAD $300-700 (quality linens, amenities, lockbox)
Note: Check local bylaws and condo rules before starting
Earnings: CAD $250-2,500/month
Sell handmade crafts, vintage items, or digital products to global customers. Canadian sellers do well with maple-themed products, Indigenous-inspired art (if appropriate), printables, and winter accessories. Build gradually with consistent listings and good photography.
Best for: Crafters, artists, creative entrepreneurs
Startup costs: CAD $75-400 depending on product type
Popular Canadian niches: Digital printables, wedding decor, personalized gifts, knits
Earnings: CAD $600-4,000/month
Source products wholesale or from overseas, send to Amazon's Canadian fulfillment centers, and they handle storage, packing, and shipping. Amazon.ca is growing rapidly. Requires upfront inventory investment but can scale significantly. Research products carefully to avoid oversaturated markets.
Best for: Entrepreneurial mindset, willing to invest capital, analytical thinkers
Startup costs: CAD $700-2,500 for initial inventory
Time to profit: 2-5 months typically
Earnings: CAD $300-2,000/month
Buy items at garage sales, thrift stores, or Facebook Marketplace and resell for profit. Kijiji is huge in Canada for local sales (no shipping). eBay.ca for nationwide or international sales. Learn what sells in your niche - electronics, collectibles, vintage clothing, or sports equipment.
Best for: Bargain hunters, negotiators, patient researchers
Startup costs: CAD $100-300
Popular categories: Hockey cards, electronics, vintage Canadian items, outdoor gear
Earnings: CAD $75-250/month
Not substantial income, but genuinely easy passive earnings. Swagbucks Canada, Survey Junkie, and Caddle pay for opinions. Rakuten Canada offers cashback on online shopping. Use during downtime like watching TV or commuting.
Best for: Supplemental income, spare time utilization, budget-conscious shoppers
Canadian platforms: Swagbucks CA, Survey Junkie, Rakuten Canada, Caddle, Checkout 51
Realistic expectations: CAD $3-7/hour, best combined with other activities
CAD $25-75/hour
Manage social accounts for Canadian small businesses. Local market knowledge is valuable.
CAD $50-180/hour
Events, portraits, real estate, or stock photography. Weddings especially lucrative.
CAD $25-55/hour
Help small businesses with accounts using QuickBooks Online or Wave (Canadian).
CAD $25-70/hour
Huge advantage in Canada. Translate documents, websites, or provide interpretation.
CAD $30-80/hour
In-person or online fitness coaching. Provincial certifications may be required.
CAD $75-250 per episode
Edit audio for podcasters. Growing Canadian podcast market with less competition.
Yes, all income must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), regardless of amount. Side hustle income is considered self-employment income and reported on Form T2125 (Statement of Business or Professional Activities) with your T1 personal tax return.
Key points:
If your side hustle earns more than CAD $30,000 in any four consecutive quarters, you must register for a GST/HST account and collect taxes from customers. You can register voluntarily below this threshold to claim input tax credits on business expenses.
Provincial tax rates:
Side hustle income is added to your employment income and taxed at your marginal rate. Federal tax rates for 2026 range from 15% to 33%, plus provincial taxes (varies by province). You also pay CPP contributions on self-employment earnings.
2026 Federal tax brackets:
CPP Contributions: Self-employed individuals pay both employee and employer portions (11.9% on earnings up to CAD $68,500 for 2026).
Rule of thumb: Set aside 25-35% of gross side hustle income for taxes if you're in a middle to upper income bracket.
You can deduct reasonable business expenses to reduce taxable income. Keep all receipts and maintain good records to support your claims.
Common deductible expenses:
If you're receiving Employment Insurance (EI), you can do a side hustle but must report all earnings to Service Canada. Benefits are reduced by 50 cents for every dollar earned over CAD $100 per week (after the initial waiting period).
Self-employment earnings while on EI may impact your benefit amount. Consult Service Canada for specific guidance on your situation.
Tip: Use Canadian accounting software like QuickBooks Online, Wave (free for Canadian small businesses), or FreshBooks to track income and expenses. This simplifies tax filing and ensures you claim all eligible deductions.
The best side hustles in Canada for 2026 include delivery driving with Skip the Dishes or Uber Eats (CAD $15-25/hour), freelance work on Upwork or Fiverr (CAD $20-60/hour), and Airbnb hosting (CAD $400-2,000/month). High-skill options like web development and consulting can earn CAD $60-180/hour.
Yes, you must report all income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), even from side hustles. Report self-employment income on Form T2125 with your T1 return. If you earn more than CAD $30,000 in 12 months, you must register for GST/HST. Keep detailed records of all income and expenses.
Side hustle income is added to your employment income and taxed at your marginal tax rate. Federal rates range from 15% to 33%, plus provincial taxes. You also pay CPP contributions (11.9% for self-employed). Set aside 25-35% of gross income for taxes if you're in a middle to upper bracket. Deduct business expenses to reduce taxable income.
The fastest ways to start earning in Canada are delivery apps like Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats, or DoorDash (same day), selling items on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji (immediate), TaskRabbit for odd jobs (within days), and cashback apps like Rakuten Canada. These require minimal setup and generate income quickly.
Yes, but you must report all earnings to Service Canada. Your EI benefits will be reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn above CAD $100 per week (after the waiting period). Self-employment earnings must be reported and may affect your benefit amount. Always declare all income to avoid penalties.
Most Canadian side hustlers earn CAD $650-1,500 per month working 10-20 hours per week. Delivery drivers typically make CAD $15-25/hour, freelancers CAD $20-60/hour, and skilled professionals like developers CAD $50-120/hour. Seasonal side hustles like snow removal can generate CAD $1,500-6,000 during winter months.
Not necessarily. You can operate as a sole proprietor under your own name without registration. However, if you want to use a business name (e.g., "Glen's Cleaning Services"), you must register it provincially. Costs vary by province (typically CAD $60-150). Registration also requires renewal every few years depending on your province.
Skip the Dishes has stronger coverage in smaller Canadian cities and Prairie provinces, while Uber Eats dominates in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Skip tends to have more restaurant partners in mid-sized cities. Earnings are similar (CAD $15-25/hour), but availability varies by region. Many drivers work both platforms simultaneously to maximize orders.
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Written by
Glen MeadeSide hustle expert who has personally tested 50+ platforms since 2019. Sharing real earnings data and honest assessments to help you find legitimate income opportunities.
Last updated: January 2026