Guide • Canada

27 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2026 (Canada Edition)

Side hustles are a fixture in Canada’s economy. Statistics Canada reports 5.6% of employed Canadians held more than one job in 2023 (≈1.1M people). Surveys suggest well over half of workers do some kind of extra earning—from gig platforms to e-commerce. Below are 27 ideas with Canadian-specific notes on pricing, compliance, and practical steps to land your first clients.

Beginner → Advanced
Startup: $0–$2,500
Time: 5–20 hrs/week
Updated: Sept 15, 2025

Key Trends (with data)

5.6% hold 2+ jobs

Multiple jobholding in 2023 was near pre-pandemic levels—evidence that extra income streams are here to stay.

Gig work is mainstream

Millions of Canadians do delivery, pro services, resale, or digital products—often evenings/weekends.

Local rules matter

Short-term rentals, food handling, and home-based businesses are regulated municipally/provincially—always check your city.

Side-hustle prevalence (surveyed share of workers)

Canada

~53%

United States

~52%

Australia

~59%

United Kingdom

~72%

Survey figures vary by methodology; use as directional benchmarks and validate for your market.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle

Leverage your strengths. You’ll earn faster with less ramp-up.
Match time to payoff. Target 5–20 hrs/week; batch work into predictable blocks.
Start lean. Validate demand before buying gear; pre-sell where possible.
Think scalability. Services can grow into agencies; digital products compound over time.
Mind GST/HST. Exceed $30,000 in taxable supplies in one quarter or four consecutive quarters? Register and charge GST/HST.

27 Side Hustle Ideas (expand to read details)

Online & Remote-Friendly

▶ 1) Freelance Bookkeeping & Invoicing

Startup: $0–$400Time: 5–10 hrs/wkRevenue: $500–$2,000/mo

Why it works: SMBs need monthly reconciliations, invoicing, receipt capture, and basic reporting.
Offer: Tiered packages (e.g., up to X transactions), bank recs, AR follow-ups, monthly P&L with one call.
Pricing: $200–$600+/client/mo depending on volume, platforms, and add-ons (payroll, GST/HST filing).
Get clients: Facebook/Nextdoor groups, partner with tax preparers, ask trades for referrals.
Tools: QuickBooks/Wave, Dext/Hubdoc, Google Drive, Calendly.
Compliance: Register for GST/HST once you cross the $30k small-supplier threshold.
Canadian Angle: Ontario & BC have dense SMB clusters; trades in Prairies/Atlantic often need invoice chasing and receipt systems.

▶ 2) Virtual Assistant (VA) for SMB Owners

Startup: $0–$200Time: 5–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $400–$1,500/mo

Offer: Inbox triage, scheduling, vendor calls, intake forms, simple bookkeeping.
Packaging: 10/20/40-hour retainers with clear SLAs and response windows.
Get clients: GBPs of trades/clinics; DM with one specific quick win (e.g., calendar automation).
Tools: Google Workspace, Notion/Asana, Loom, LastPass.
Scale: SOPs + subcontractors; add specialized services (social, light bookkeeping) as upsells.
Canadian Angle: Bilingual support (EN/FR) is valued in Quebec and federal contractors nationwide.

▶ 3) Social Media Management (with light ads)

Startup: $0–$300Time: 8–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $700–$2,500/mo

Service: 12–16 posts/mo, community replies, 2 boosted posts, monthly report.
Acquire: Case-study one local business; leverage testimonials; offer “first 30-day sprint”.
Upsell: UGC sourcing, Reels/TikTok edits, basic lead ads.
Tools: Canva, CapCut, Meta Business Suite, Buffer.
Canadian Angle: Seasonal hooks—tax time, cottage season, NHL playoffs, provincial holidays—perform well nationwide.

▶ 4) Online Tutoring or Coaching

Startup: $0–$150Time: 4–10 hrs/wkRevenue: $400–$1,800/mo

Focus: Math/ESL/French; job-ready skills (Excel, resume/interview).
Format: 4- or 8-session bundles with homework templates and progress tracking.
Find students: School/community groups, library boards, LinkedIn posts.
Scale: Record sessions → sell mini-courses; add group cohorts.
Canadian Angle: French tutoring demand is strong in QC/NB; immigrant communities value ESL and job-search coaching.

▶ 5) Web Design / No-Code Sites

Startup: $50–$350Time: 6–12 hrs/wkRevenue: $800–$3,500/mo

Starter offer: One-page site in 7 days + GBP + calendar/booking link.
Pricing: $800–$1,800 for one-pagers; $150–$300/mo maintenance.
Niches: Trades, clinics, real estate, restaurants; include accessibility basics.
Canadian Angle: Local SEO (map pack) is key in GTA, GVA, Calgary/Edmonton, Ottawa, Montreal.

▶ 6) Podcast Editing & Voice-Over

Startup: $150–$600Time: 4–10 hrs/wkRevenue: $400–$1,500/mo

Deliverables: Cleanup, intro/outro, show notes, social clips; 4-episode monthly retainer.
Pitch: New Canadian podcasts; chambers of commerce; local universities.
Stack: Audacity/Adobe Audition, Descript, Auphonic.
Canadian Angle: Bilingual shows open FR/EN work across QC/Federal niches.

▶ 7) Digital Products (templates, ebooks, checklists)

Startup: $0–$200Time: variableRevenue: $200–$3,000+/mo

Niches: Contractor estimate templates, GST/HST bookkeeping kits, hiring checklists.
Distribution: Shopify/Gumroad/Etsy; SEO or social funnels.
Scale: Starter packs by industry; upsell coaching calls.
Canadian Angle: Include metric units, CRA terms, bilingual versions where relevant.

▶ 8) Affiliate Content & Niche Blogs

Startup: $50–$200Time: 5–10 hrs/wkRevenue: $200–$2,500+/mo

Approach: Canada-specific keywords (“best [tool] in Canada”, province comparisons).
Monetize: Affiliate + display ads once traffic grows; build email list.
Canadian Angle: Cover provincial differences (fees, availability, shipping, regulations).

▶ 9) Print-on-Demand / Merch

Startup: $0–$150Time: 4–8 hrs/wkRevenue: $150–$1,200+/mo

Strategy: Seasonal Canada themes (cottage, hockey, fall colours); micro-test designs.
Ops: POD handles fulfilment—focus on design and marketing.
Canadian Angle: Regional slang & landmarks convert well; keep bilingual variants for QC markets.

▶10) Email Newsletter / Local Media Micro-Brand

Startup: $0–$200Time: 4–8 hrs/wkRevenue: $200–$2,000+/mo

Concept: Curate deals/events/jobs for a city or niche; sell classifieds/sponsorships.
Monetize: Local sponsors, paid classifieds, premium memberships.
Tools: Beehiiv/Substack/Mailchimp; Canva for creative.
Canadian Angle: City-focused newsletters thrive in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa.

Local & In-Person (High Demand)

▶11) Food Delivery or Ride-Share

Startup: $0–$300Time: flexibleRevenue: varies

Optimize: Peak hours, dense zones, multi-apping; track net after fuel/maintenance.
Risk: Weather/seasonality & platform policy changes impact pay.
Canadian Angle: Winter driving affects routes; urban cores (GTA, GVA, Montreal) have steadier demand.

▶12) Handyperson / Odd Jobs

Startup: $200–$1,000Time: 5–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $800–$3,000/mo

Jobs: TV mounting, drywall patching, furniture assembly, caulking.
Get clients: Google Business Profile + reviews; neighbourhood flyers; realtor referrals.
Compliance: Respect provincial limits (electrical/plumbing licensing rules).
Canadian Angle: Basement renos & winterizing tasks surge in ON/QC/MB/SK.

▶13) Residential Cleaning

Startup: $150–$500Time: 6–20 hrs/wkRevenue: $1,000–$3,000/mo

Productize: Bi-weekly plans; add move-in/out & deep cleans.
Trust: Background checks, insurance, shoe covers; punctuality wins repeat business.
Canadian Angle: STR turnovers (where legal) in major tourist zones (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Banff/Canmore).

▶14) Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

Startup: $50–$250Time: 5–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $400–$1,800/mo

Offers: 30/60-min walks, GPS tracking, vacation drop-ins, house sitting.
Peak: Long weekends, summer holidays, March break.
Canadian Angle: Cold-weather gear and safe routes matter in Prairies/Atlantic winters.

▶15) Snow Removal (seasonal)

Startup: $150–$900Time: weather-dependentRevenue: $1,000–$4,000+/mo

Model: Season passes with priority response; add salting and walkway clearances.
Ops: Route optimization; text alerts; photo proof of service.
Canadian Angle: High demand in QC/ON/MB/SK/AB; in BC lower mainland, icing events still create spikes.

▶16) Lawn Care & Landscaping (seasonal)

Startup: $300–$2,000Time: 6–20 hrs/wkRevenue: $1,000–$3,500+/mo

Core: Weekly mow/trim; upsell aeration, dethatching, spring/fall cleanups.
Scale: Route density; pre-paid seasonal contracts.
Canadian Angle: Ontario suburbs = big weekly route potential; drought rules in Prairie summers may require adaptive services.

▶17) Event Photography / Videography

Startup: $1,000–$3,500Time: weekendsRevenue: $1,200–$4,000+/mo

Packages: 4/6/8-hour shoots; highlight reels; fast edits.
Lead gen: Venue/planner partnerships; styled shoots to build portfolio.
Canadian Angle: Wedding season heavy May–Oct; winter corporate events spike before holidays.

Skill-Based & Niche

▶18) Tax Preparation (T1) & Sole-Prop Setup

Startup: $200–$800Time: seasonalRevenue: $1,000–$4,000+/mo

Why: Canadians need help with slips, credits, and expense categorization.
Bundles: T1 prep + GST/HST registration + bookkeeping setup.
Compliance: Understand small-supplier rules and registration timing.
Canadian Angle: High demand late Feb–Apr nationwide; sole-prop setups steady year-round.

▶19) Translation & Localization

Startup: $0–$300Time: 5–12 hrs/wkRevenue: $500–$2,500/mo

Strength: English↔French; add legal/medical/marketing specialties.
Proof: Build glossaries; use QA checklists; maintain tone guidelines.
Canadian Angle: QC public/private sectors require FR; federal contracts need EN/FR capacity.

▶20) IT Support / Device Repair

Startup: $200–$1,500Time: 5–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $800–$3,000/mo

Services: Home Wi-Fi fixes, data backup, malware removal, phone/tablet screens.
Model: One-off fixes + remote support retainers.
Canadian Angle: Rural areas have fewer providers—offer monthly remote helpdesks.

▶21) Real Estate Photography / Floorplans

Startup: $800–$2,500Time: 6–12 hrs/wkRevenue: $1,000–$3,500+/mo

Bundle: Stills, short video, 2D floorplans; 24–48h delivery.
Lead gen: Pitch brokerages; discounted “first listing” promo.
Canadian Angle: GTA/GVA volume high; winter daylight constraints affect schedules nationwide.

▶22) Home Staging & STR Setup

Startup: $500–$3,000Time: project-basedRevenue: $1,000–$5,000+/mo

Work: Furniture layout, decor sourcing, listing optimization.
Clients: Realtors, flippers, STR owners (where legal).
Canadian Angle: STR rules vary by city; check licensing/primary-residence/night caps (QC/BC stricter).

▶23) Short-Term Rental (Primary Residence)

Startup: $300–$2,000Time: variableRevenue: city-dependent

Reality: Many cities restrict nights or require primary-residence licensing; enforcement is rising.
Ops: Strong cleaning/turnover SOPs; noise policies; local tax remittance where required.
Canadian Angle: Montreal seasonal limitation; BC/ON/Municipalities enforce primary-residence rules—verify before investing.

▶24) Workshops & Local Classes

Startup: $50–$400Time: evenings/weekendsRevenue: $300–$2,000/mo

Venues: Community centres, libraries, coworking spaces; revenue share or room rental.
Scale: Record sessions → sell replays + kits; corporate PD workshops.
Canadian Angle: Tech hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Waterloo) respond well to skills workshops.

▶25) Catering, Baking, or Meal Prep (Home-Based)

Startup: $300–$1,500Time: 6–15 hrs/wkRevenue: $600–$3,000+/mo

Model: Pre-order menus, weekly subscription plans, event trays.
Compliance: Provincial food handler certification; local inspection/permits may apply.
Canadian Angle: Cultural festivals and holiday seasons drive spikes across provinces.

▶26) Reselling & Flips (Marketplace/Thrifting)

Startup: $100–$800Time: 6–12 hrs/wkRevenue: $300–$2,500+/mo

Inventory: Furniture, tools, electronics; learn basic repairs and staging photos.
Ops: Precise listings, clear pickup windows, e-transfer or card on pickup.
Canadian Angle: University move-in/out cycles (ON/QC/BC/AB) are prime sourcing windows.

▶27) Commercial Cleaning (Night Routes)

Startup: $400–$2,000Time: eveningsRevenue: $1,500–$5,000+/mo

Clients: Offices, clinics, retail; propose 3-month pilot contracts.
Scale: Train a small crew; add floor care or windows for upsell.
Canadian Angle: Downtown cores in GTA/GVA/Calgary/Montreal/Ottawa have steady demand; winter brings salt-residue cleaning needs.

Earnings & Time: What to Expect

Hustle Type	Typical Startup Cost	Time / Week	Potential Monthly Revenue*
Low-cost online (VA, tutoring, editing)	$0–$300	5–15 hrs	$300–$1,500
Local services (cleaning, pet, lawn)	$150–$1,500	8–20 hrs	$800–$3,000
Creative/scale (web, digital products)	$100–$800	8–25+ hrs	$500–$5,000+ (once established)

*Indicative ranges for part-time effort; results vary by city, season, pricing, and consistency.

Taxes & Regulations (Canada)

GST/HST: Exceed $30,000 in a calendar quarter or over four consecutive quarters? Register and begin charging GST/HST (registration required within 29 days of the effective date).
Records: Separate business banking; track mileage, supplies, and home-office expenses from day one.
Municipal rules: Short-term rentals, signage, and food handling vary by city/province—check bylaws.
Insurance: General liability for hands-on work; E&O for advisory services.

Sources

Statistics Canada — Multiple jobholders (5.6% in 2023; ≈1.1M). Quality of Employment release.
Canada Revenue Agency — GST/HST small-supplier threshold ($30,000) & registration timing.
Municipal STR frameworks — e.g., Montreal seasonal restrictions; BC/ON primary-residence rules (verify current bylaws).

27 Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in 2026