Best Side Hustles in Canada 2025 — Make Extra Money

Business Banking

Open a no-fee KOHO account for your business banking. Use code BREMO2026 for a welcome bonus.

Open KOHO Free →

Proven side hustles for Canadians, from $500 to $5,000+ per month, plus how to handle Canadian taxes on side income.

Get $120 with KOHO — Canada's Top Spending Account

No monthly fees, 1% cashback, and a $100 welcome bonus. Use code BREMO2026 at signup.

Claim $100 →

Top Side Hustles by Earning Potential

Freelance Web Development / Design
$400–$150/hr | $2,000–$8,000/mo
Build websites for local businesses on platforms like Upwork or through direct referrals. High demand, flexible hours.
Real Estate Photography
$150–$400/property | $1,500–$5,000/mo
Canada's active real estate market creates strong demand. Requires camera investment ($2,000–$5,000) and editing skills.
Delivery Driver (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart)
$15–$25/hr | $500–$2,500/mo
Flexible hours, no experience needed. Most profitable during lunch/dinner peaks and weekends. Car or e-bike options.
Tutoring (Math, Science, Languages)
$300–$800/hr | $500–$3,000/mo
High demand from parents and students. Online tutoring via platforms like Wyzant or independently via local ads.
Airbnb / Short-Term Rental
$800–$3,000+/mo per room or suite
If you have extra space, Airbnb can generate significant income. Check local regulations — many cities have restricted STRs.
Social Media Management
$500–$2,000/client/mo | $1,500–$6,000/mo
Help small businesses with Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Recurring retainer income from multiple clients.
Selling on Etsy / Shopify
$200–$5,000+/mo
Print-on-demand, handmade goods, digital downloads, or vintage items. Scalable with the right niche.
Virtual Assistant
$200–$500/hr | $800–$3,000/mo
Email management, scheduling, data entry, research for entrepreneurs. Fully remote. Easy entry point for admin-skilled workers.
Trades Day Labour
$25–$600/hr | $500–$3,000/mo
Carpentry, painting, lawn care, snow removal, moving help. High demand in suburban Canada. Often cash-in-hand.
Bookkeeping
$25–$600/hr | $1,000–$5,000/mo
Small businesses need bookkeepers. QuickBooks certification opens many client opportunities. Remote-friendly.

Online Side Hustles Canadians Are Doing in 2025

HustlePlatformAvg Monthly IncomeStartup Cost
Content creation (YouTube/TikTok)YouTube, TikTok$00–$5,000+ (varies widely)$00–$500
Freelance writing / copywritingUpwork, Fiverr, direct$500–$4,000$00
Online courses / coachingTeachable, Podia$500–$10,000+$00–$200
DropshippingShopify + AliExpress$200–$3,000$100–$500
Stock photographyShutterstock, Adobe Stock$500–$500 (passive)Camera needed
TranslatingUpwork, TranslatorsCafe$500–$3,000$00

Side Hustle Taxes in Canada — What You Need to Know

All side hustle income in Canada is taxable — whether you're paid in cash, e-transfer, PayPal, or gift cards. Here's what you need to know:

Register for a business number if you earn $30,000+ in a year: Above $30,000 in business income in any 4 consecutive quarters, you must register for HST/GST and collect/remit tax.

Track all expenses: A home office, vehicle use, equipment, software, and phone can all be business deductions that reduce your taxable side income.

Set aside 25–300% for taxes: Side income is added to your employment income and taxed at your marginal rate. On $5,000 in side income at a 33% marginal rate, you'd owe ~$1,6500 at tax time.

Deductible side hustle expenses include: Software subscriptions, home office (proportional), equipment, mileage (57¢/km in 2025 for business use), marketing, professional memberships, and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to declare side hustle income in Canada?
Yes. All income from any source must be declared on your Canadian tax return, including cash, e-transfers, tips, and online earnings. Failure to report income is considered tax evasion and can result in penalties and interest.
What is the best side hustle in Canada for beginners?
Delivery driving (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart) is the easiest to start with no skills or investment beyond a vehicle or e-bike. Tutoring and freelance writing are also beginner-friendly and pay well for those with relevant knowledge.
How much can I earn before I need to report HST?
You must register for HST/GST when your total business revenue (from all sources) exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive calendar quarters. Below $30,000, you're a "small supplier" and registration is optional.
Is driving for Uber or Lyft a good side hustle in Canada?
Rideshare driving pays $15–$25/hour gross in most Canadian cities. After fuel, maintenance, and the portion of your car that depreciates, net earnings are often $100–$18/hour. It's flexible but not highly profitable for most drivers. Delivery driving tends to be more efficient.
Can I do a side hustle while on Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada?
Yes, but you must report all earnings to Service Canada. EI claimants can keep 500 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned, up to 900% of their previous weekly insurable earnings. Above that threshold, EI benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar.