11 Best Legit Side Hustles in Canada: Proven Ways to Increase Your Income

The world of side hustles – flexible, often part-time ventures – provide extra cash and valuable experience to Canadians who are looking for ways to supplement their income. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, paying off debt, or simply want to diversify your income streams, Canada offers a wealth of legitimate side hustle opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best and most legitimate side hustles available. These opportunities not only offer financial benefits but also the potential for personal growth and entrepreneurial development. We’ll cover a range of options suitable for various skill sets, time commitments, and interests – all while ensuring that these opportunities are above-board and compliant with Canadian regulations.

1. Uber & Uber Eats

As an Uber driver, you can provide rides to passengers in your area. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a suitable vehicle. Earnings can range from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on your location and hours worked. If driving passengers isn’t your thing, consider Uber Eats instead. You’ll deliver food from local restaurants to hungry customers. The best part? You can use a car, bike, or even walk in some areas.

Uber Eats is available in many Canadian cities, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. This wide coverage means you’re likely to find opportunities near you. One of the biggest advantages of these platforms is flexibility. You can work as much or as little as you want, fitting deliveries around your main job or other commitments.

To get started, simply download the app and complete the sign-up process. You’ll need to pass a background check and provide some basic information. Once approved, you can start earning right away!

Remember, as an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own taxes and expenses. Keep track of your earnings and costs to make the most of this side hustle.

2. Mowing lawn

Moving lawns is a side hustle that offers flexibility and a chance to enjoy the fresh air while making money. Starting this side hustle is easy: all you need is some basic equipment. A reliable lawnmower, trimmer, and safety gear are essential. Don’t worry if you can’t afford new tools – used equipment can work just fine.

Your earnings potential is quite promising. You could make between $48 to $206 per lawn, depending on the size and complexity of the job. As you gain experience, you might even charge more for your services.

Here are some tips to boost your lawn mowing business:

  • Offer additional services like hedge trimming and fertilizer application
  • Clean out flower beds and spread mulch
  • Provide seasonal lawn care packages

Remember to set competitive prices. You can charge a base price for X square feet and after that price per square feet.

With dedication and hard work, your lawn mowing side hustle can grow into a thriving business. It’s a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and pad your wallet at the same time.

3. Pet sitting

Pet sitting is a great option if you love spending time with animals. It also offers other benefits such as flexible schedule, exercise, and potential to build long-term client relationships. Pet sitting apps make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area. You can offer services such as overnight stays, dog walking, or daily check-ins.

To get started, create a profile highlighting your experience and love for animals. Set competitive rates and specify which services you’re comfortable providing. Many pet sitters charge $25-50 per night or $25-30 per hour.

As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can increase your rates and expand your client base. Remember to always prioritize the safety and well-being of the pets in your care.

4. Personal Assistant

Becoming a personal assistant can be a lucrative side hustle in Canada. You can offer your services to busy professionals, executives, or entrepreneurs who need help managing their daily tasks.

As a personal assistant, your duties may include:

  • Scheduling appointments
  • Managing emails and correspondence
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Running errands
  • Organizing files and documents

You don’t need to limit yourself to in-person work. Virtual assistant services are becoming increasingly popular in the gig economy, allowing you to work remotely and expand your client base.

To get started, consider your existing skills and how they can benefit potential clients. Are you great at organization? Do you have strong communication skills? These qualities can make you an excellent personal assistant. You can find clients through networking, social media, or online platforms dedicated to freelance work. As you start your VA journey, set competitive rates based on your experience and the services you offer.

5. Online classes

Teaching online classes is as legit of a side hustle as it gets. The demand of online teachers is ever increasing, especially of those with teaching specialized subjects. With the rise of digital learning platforms, educators can now earn up to $60,000 per year through online teaching, making it a potentially substantial income source.

Platforms like Outschool.com allow teachers to set their own prices and schedules, offering great flexibility. For those interested in teaching English, numerous companies provide opportunities with hourly rates ranging from $15 to $25, and some platforms like Whales English offer up to $26 an hour.

Beyond language instruction, teachers can also create and sell lesson plans or run after-school programs online, diversifying their income streams. The beauty of this side hustle lies in its scalability and the ability to leverage existing skills, making it an attractive option for educators looking to supplement their income or transition into a new career path.

6. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular side hustle that allows you to earn money by promoting products or services online. You can start this venture with minimal upfront costs and work from the comfort of your home. You are going to start with choosing a niche that interests you and aligns with your audience. Next you’ll need to create content such as blog, videos, and social media posts.

Once you accumulate some following, you can start recommending products using your affiliate links. You’ll earn commission when people purchase those products.

Keep in mind that commission rates and cookie durations vary. For example, Best Buy Canada offers a 1% commission with a seven-day cookie window.

To succeed in affiliate marketing, focus on creating valuable content that genuinely helps your audience. Build trust by recommending products you believe in and have personally used. Its worth remembering affiliate marketing takes time and effort to generate significant income. Stay consistent, track your results, and adjust your strategies as needed to maximize your earnings.

7. Freelance in-home tech support

Freelance in-home tech support cater to the growing demand for personalized technical assistance especially for senior Canadians. With the increasing reliance on technology in homes and small businesses, there’s a constant need for skilled individuals who can troubleshoot and resolve various tech issues.

Freelance tech support technicians can offer services ranging from computer repairs and network setup to smart home device installation and software troubleshooting. This side hustle offers flexibility, allowing you to set your own hours and rates. Platforms like Indeed list numerous opportunities for freelance tech support roles, indicating a healthy demand in the Canadian market.

Additionally, websites like Upwork provide a platform to connect with clients seeking technical support services. For those with a knack for technology and problem-solving skills, this side hustle can be both financially rewarding and intellectually stimulating. It’s worth noting that while formal qualifications can be beneficial, many successful tech support freelancers build their reputation through practical experience and positive client reviews.

8. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model allows you to sell products without holding inventory. The way it works is that you set up an online store and partner with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers. When an order comes in, you simply forward it to the supplier.

First, choose a niche that interests you. Research dropshipping suppliers in Canada to find reliable partners in your chosen niche. Next, build your e-commerce website using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. These make it easy to set up a professional-looking store.

Marketing is crucial for success. Use social media, content marketing, and paid ads to drive traffic to your store. Key benefits of dropshipping include:

  • Low startup costs
  • Flexibility to work from anywhere
  • No need to manage inventory
  • Ability to test products without risk

Keep in mind that profit margins can be slim, so you’ll need to focus on volume and efficient operations. Stay on top of customer service to build a positive reputation for your store. With dedication and smart strategies, dropshipping can become a profitable side gig or even grow into a full-time business.

9. Amazon FBA

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) offers you an exciting opportunity to start a profitable side hustle in Canada. This program allows you to sell products on Amazon’s platform while they handle storage, shipping, and customer service. All you need to get started is an Amazon Seller account and choose products to sell. The real work is to research popular items to sell and look for opportunities to offer unique or improved versions.

Once you’ve selected your products, you’ll need to source them from suppliers. Consider factors like quality, cost, and shipping times when choosing your inventory. The next step is to create product listings on Amazon. Make sure to use high-quality images and write compelling descriptions to attract customers.

When orders come in, Amazon will handle the rest. They’ll pick, pack, and ship your products to customers, as well as manage returns and customer inquiries. It’s worth noting success with Amazon FBA requires ongoing effort. You’ll need to monitor your inventory, adjust pricing, and continually optimize your listings to stay competitive in the marketplace.

10. Mobile Car Washing and Detailing

Mobile car washing and detailing has become an increasingly popular and profitable side hustle in Canada, offering entrepreneurs the flexibility to work on their own schedule while providing a valuable service to car owners. This business can be started with relatively low initial investment, as little as $500, making it accessible for many aspiring entrepreneurs.

The potential for earnings is significant, with some successful operators reporting monthly revenues of up to $30,000. While the income can vary based on location, services offered, and time invested, basic mobile car wash services can range from $20 to $50, with additional detailing services providing opportunities for higher earnings. However, it’s important to note that this business can be seasonal in some parts of Canada, with outdoor work being more challenging during colder months.

Aspiring mobile car detailers should also consider obtaining proper insurance to protect their business and clients. Despite these considerations, mobile car washing and detailing remains a viable and potentially lucrative side hustle for those willing to put in the effort and provide high-quality service.

11. Digital Product Sales

Digital product sales have emerged as a highly lucrative and scalable side hustle in Canada, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to create and sell products with minimal overhead costs. This versatile business model encompasses a wide range of offerings, including e-books, online courses, digital art, templates, software, and mobile apps. The beauty of digital products lies in their ability to generate passive income, as they can be sold repeatedly without requiring additional production costs.

Platforms like Shopify and Etsy provide user-friendly interfaces for Canadians to set up online stores and reach a global audience. The potential earnings can be substantial, with some successful digital product creators reporting six-figure incomes. However, it’s important to note that success in this field often requires a combination of market research, quality product creation, and effective marketing strategies.

For Canadians with specialized knowledge or creative skills, digital product sales offer a flexible and potentially profitable way to monetize their expertise while contributing to the growing digital economy, which accounts for 5.5% of Canada’s GDP. As with any business venture, it’s crucial to be aware of tax implications and to properly report income from digital product sales to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students in Canada have several lucrative side hustle options. Tutoring fellow students in subjects you excel at can be both rewarding and profitable. Freelance writing or content creation allows you to work around your class schedule.

Working from home has become increasingly popular. You can start a virtual assistant business, helping clients with administrative tasks, scheduling, or social media management. Freelance writing, editing, or proofreading are excellent options if you have strong language skills.

Earning an extra $1000 monthly is achievable with dedication. Renting out your RV or camper trailer can be highly profitable, especially during peak camping seasons. Offering specialized skills like graphic design or web development on freelance platforms can also reach this income goal.

High-paying side hustles in Canada often involve specialized skills. Freelance consulting in your professional field can command impressive hourly rates. Real estate photography or drone piloting for property listings can be lucrative if you have the right equipment. Personal training or fitness instruction, especially with a niche focus, can be highly profitable. Renting out recreational vehicles during peak seasons can also generate substantial income for minimal effort.

Resources for Starting a Legit Side Hustle in Canada

Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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