Top 20 Side Hustles to Start in Canada to Make Extra Money

In Canada, the cost of living keeps rising, and many people are looking for ways to bring in extra income. Many people are turning to side hustles to boost their income. Moreover, to explore their passion outside of their 9-5 job. Side Hustle gives you flexibility, where you can work in the evening or anytime during the day. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone working full-time, a side hustle can give you more financial. You can enjoy flexible hours and even work from home.. Some people start side hustles just to cover small expenses, while others turn them into full-time businesses.

In this blog, you’ll find 20 side hustle ideas that are practical in Canada. Moreover, learn about tips for taxes, growing your hustle, and turning it into a registered business.

Why Side Hustles Are Growing in Canada

Many jobs are simple, scalable, and adaptable to Canadian life. You can start without quitting your job. You look into the platform, like digital platforms and demand trends. For example, things like content creation, delivery services, and niche selling. 

Many Canadians are jumping into side hustles for a few reasons

• Extra income to pay off debt, save for a house, or enjoy more spending money.
• Flexibility, most side hustles can be done evenings, weekends, or whenever you have time.
• Skill building, like Learn new skills that could help you in your career.
• Potential to grow; some side hustles turn into full-time companies.

While side hustles are exciting, remember that all income is taxable in Canada. If your side hustle earns consistent income beyond a hobby, the CRA considers it business income; you’ll need to report it and may need to register as a business.

How to Choose the Right Side Hustle

Before listing specific ideas, you need to remember a few points that matter. Here are factors to help you pick:

• Your skills and interests 

If you like writing, pick writing or content creation. If you love animals, pet services might work. You need to focus on your interests and hobbies.

• Time and availability: Some side hustles require more time than others. It’s important to check your working hours and availability.
• Startup costs: Many side hustles need little investment.  for example, a laptop, your phone, and the tools you already own. You need a stable device and an internet connection..
• Local demand: You can also check what services people in your area need.. What services do people in your city or neighbourhood need?
• Scalability: Check the scalability and long-term value of what you are doing.  Does it have long-term potential? Can this hustle grow into a full business later?

Side hustles like freelancing, deliveries, or creative work are popular because of reasonable startup barriers and scalability. 

Top 20 Side Hustles to Start in Canada

Here’s a list of the best side hustles in 2025 for Canadians:

1. Freelance Writing

If you’re good with words, businesses, blogs, and media outlets are always looking for writers. You can start on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Many businesses outsource content.

2. Tutoring (Online or In-Person)

Tutors are in demand across Canada, especially for math, science, French, and English. You can tutor through websites like Superprof or set up a local service. Tutors can charge hourly rates.

3. Ride-Sharing and Delivery

Apps like Uber, Lyft, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash let you make money using your car. Flexible hours make this a great side hustle for city dwellers. You can choose your working hours according to your availability and flexibility.

4. Selling 

Having creative skills is also a plus. You can consider selling your handmade crafts and arts. In many areas, these are in high demand. You can also use Shopify to start an online store. Many people are selling creative goods as a side hustle.

5. Social Media Management

Most often, small businesses need help with their social media pages. Including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. If you have good knowledge about media management, it can be a profitable side hustle.

6. Blogging 

You can also start your own personal blog. It can be about travelling, food, or Finance. It can be a great way of passive income through affiliate marketing. Through ads and affiliate links.  This side Hustle can take time, but can be rewarding.

7. Virtual Assistant

As you know, busy professionals need help with emails, scheduling, and admin tasks. This is an ideal remote side hustle. 

8. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Apps like Rover make it easy to find clients. Many Canadians hire people to take care of their pets while travelling or working.  Pet owners often pay well for reliable and trusted care. 

9. Babysitting or Nanny Services

Reliable childcare is always in demand, especially in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

10. Photography

If you own a camera and have the skills, you have a great opportunity. You can shoot events, portraits, or stock photos. You just need decent equipment.

11. Graphic Design

From logos to social media posts, design skills are valuable. You can freelance part-time or sell templates on sites like Creative Market. 

12. Renting 

Platforms like Airbnb allow you to rent spare rooms or vacation homes. Check your city’s rules before starting. You can also rent tools, camera gear, or musical instruments.

13. Fitness Coaching

If you’re certified, offering local or online fitness classes can be a fun side hustle. You can also work as a yoga instructor.

14. Selling Secondhand Items

You can flip items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Kijiji. Many Canadians earn thousands each year reselling used goods.

15. YouTube Channel or Podcast

With engaging content, you can build an audience and earn through ads and sponsorships. For example, you can create videos, podcasts, or niche content.

16. Home Services 

If you’re handy or like cleaning, you can start a small cleaning business and grow with referrals.

17. Language Teaching

Canada has a diverse population, and many people want to learn English, French, or another language. If you are bilingual, translation or interpretation can be good side work.

18. Dropshipping 

Low-investment e-commerce side hustle where you sell products without holding inventory. If you know a specialized skill (coding, marketing, cooking), turn it into a course or coaching.

19. Online Courses or Coaching

If you have expertise in something (business, cooking, coding), you can sell courses on platforms like Teachable.

20. Mystery Shopping or Product Testing

Brands pay people to test products or evaluate stores. It’s not huge money, but fun and flexible.

Side Hustle Tax & Business Considerations

A side hustle is technically a business in many cases. Here’s how to manage it:

Registering Your Side Hustle

• If your earnings are modest and occasional, you may not need formal registration at first, but you still need to report all income on your tax return.
• Once your side hustle generates consistent income, you can register a sole proprietorship or incorporate, depending on your goals and liability needs.
• A registered business name or trade name may improve credibility.

Business Number & GST/HST

• If your total self-employment revenue exceeds $30,000 over four consecutive calendar quarters, you must register for GST/HST and obtain a Business Number (BN).

Deductible Expenses

You can deduct costs directly related to your side hustle:

• Equipment, software, supplies
• Home office portion (if valid)
• Vehicle costs (if driving for business)
• Internet, phone, marketing

Keep receipts and records.

Tax Filing

• For a sole proprietorship, income is reported on your personal T1 tax return using Form T2125 (Statement of Business or Professional Activities).
• If you incorporate, you file a T2 corporate return (separate from your personal).
• Keep all business and tax records for at least six years, as required by the CRA.

If this seems overwhelming, Bestax can help you with tax planning, registration, and compliance.

Why These Hustles Work in Canada

These side hustles come with many benefits, including:

• These have low startup costs. You need a skill or just a computer or phone.
• You can use flexible hours or decide when to work.
• You can also grow your side hustle into a business in the future.
• Canadian cities and online markets have needs for content, services, deliveries, tutoring, etc.
• You can combine local and online work to diversify income.

Want Help Turning Your Side Hustle into a Full Business?

A side hustle can be the seed of something much bigger. But when you grow, things like registration, taxes, accounting, compliance, and scaling become important. That’s where expert help makes a difference.

Bestax Accountants can support you with business registration and incorporation, Tax planning and filing, and GST/HST registration. Moreover, with bookkeeping, financial advice, and scaling support

Side hustles are more than just extra work; they’re opportunities. If you aim to make a few extra hundred dollars or eventually replace your main income. The side hustles above give you a place to start. Use your skills, stay consistent, keep good records, and consider scaling legally when the time is right.

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