Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, paying down debt, or building a path to financial independence, side hustles are one of the most practical ways Canadians can take control of their finances. This guide is designed to help you find flexible, real side hustles that work for Canadians and the best apps to help you succeed.
As someone who used side hustles when I was a broke mom on welfare to get off the system, I know that a side hustle can help you create or replace an income.
Why Side Hustles Matter More Than Ever
With the rising cost of living across Canada, many people are seeking ways to supplement their income without compromising their full-time jobs or family time. Side hustles offer:
- Flexibility: Work when and how you want.
- Low startup costs: Many require little to no upfront investment.
- Skill-building: Learn new tools, platforms, and business strategies.
- Financial resilience: Diversify your income and reduce reliance on one paycheck.
Side hustles make a great backup plan. Think of it as a map when the GPS goes wonky.
I’ve personally earned through blogging, affiliate marketing, dog walking, babysitting, and community management. In my best year, my side hustles brought in over $60,000, proof that side hustles can be more than just pocket change.
21+ Side Hustles That Work in Canada (With Income & Time Estimates)
| Side Hustle | Monthly Income (Est.) | Weekly Hours | Best Apps to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancing (Writing, Design) | $500–$3,000+ | 5–15 | Fiverr, Upwork |
| Online Tutoring | $400–$1,200 | 4–10 | Preply, Cambly |
| Virtual Assistant | $600–$2,000 | 5–15 | Freelancer, Belay |
| Digital Products (Templates, eBooks) | $200–$2,000+ | 3–10 | Etsy, Canva |
| Affiliate Marketing | $100–$1,500+ | 3–10 | Amazon Associates, Impact, ShareASale |
| Dog Walking/Pet Sitting | $300–$1,000 | 5–10 | Rover |
| Babysitting/Childcare | $400–$1,200 | 5–12 | Care.com, Facebook Groups |
| Food Delivery/Rideshare | $600–$1,500 | 8–20 | Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes |
| Handmade Goods | $300–$1,500 | 5–12 | Etsy, Facebook Marketplace |
| Print-on-Demand | $100–$800 | 3–8 | Printful, Redbubble |
| Room or Car Rentals | $500–$2,000+ | 2–5 | Airbnb, Turo |
| Thrift Flipping | $300–$1,000 | 5–10 | eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace |
| Photography | $400–$2,000 | 5–15 | Shutterstock, Adobe Stock |
| Blogging | $100–$2,000+ | 5–15 | WordPress, Truehost.ca |
| Social Media Management | $500–$2,500 | 5–12 | Canva, Buffer, Meta Business Suite |
| Transcription | $300–$800 | 5–10 | Rev, TranscribeMe |
| Notion Consultant | $200–$1,000 | 3–8 | Notion, Gumroad |
| Coaching/Consulting | $500–$2,000+ | 4–10 | Zoom, Calendly, Stripe |
| Renting Storage or Parking | $100–$500 | <2 | Neighbor, Facebook Marketplace |
| Catering/Baking | $300–$1,500 | 5–12 | Instagram, Wix, Square |
| Online Surveys | $50–$200 | 2–5 | Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys |
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle
To make your hustle sustainable and rewarding, ask yourself:
- What skills do I already have?
- How much time can I realistically commit?
- Do I want quick cash or long-term growth?
- Can I start with free tools and apps?
Start small, test what works, and build from there. Many side hustles grow organically into full-time businesses when nurtured consistently.
Final Thoughts
Side hustles helped me build CommonCentsMom into a trusted resource for Canadians. It has been featured on several mainstream media sites, and I have been quoted and interviewed on TV and radio. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, creativity, or financial breathing room, there’s a hustle here for you.
Let me know in the comments if you have considered a side hustle and what you are thinking of.
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