20 Online side hustles to boost your income in Canada

Online side hustles give you the freedom to work from home, earn extra income, and build something that fits your life. Whether you’re into freelance work, content creation, or eCommerce, there’s an opportunity waiting for every skill set.

From online tutoring and Print on Demand to affiliate marketing and social media management for local Canadian businesses, here are the most exciting and profitable online side hustles you can start today.

What’s an online side hustle?​

An online side hustle is any flexible, internet-based way to earn extra money alongside your main job. It could mean selling trending products, offering your skills as a freelancer, or creating amazing content – all from your laptop or mobile phone.​

These side gigs work through digital platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy, or your own website. The best part is the flexibility – you decide when and where you work and how fast you want to grow.

For many Canadians, a side hustle is a way to build a financial safety net. For others, it’s the first step toward leaving their 9-to-5 and becoming their own boss.

Whatever your reason, learning how to start an online business is one of the smartest ways to take control of your career and financial future.

Below, we’ve gathered the best online side hustles to help you find one that fits your goals.

Source: Pexels

1. Sell print-on-demand products

Print on Demand (POD) is one of the most exciting and profitable side hustles for creative Canadians.​

You sell custom products like t-shirts, toques, or posters without ever buying or holding inventory, thanks to platforms like Printful. When a customer places an order, Printful custom-prints and ships the item directly to them from our Canadian facility. You just focus on creating cool designs and marketing your online store.​

And because we have a fulfilment center in Canada, your customers get their orders faster and with no surprise customs or duty fees.

Many entrepreneurs start a POD business while working a day job to earn extra cash. With dedication, it can grow into a full-time income source that celebrates your unique brand.

Best for: Creative people looking to start an online store with low risk and minimal upfront investment.​

Requirements:​

• A POD partner like Printful that connects to eCommerce platforms like Shopify or marketplaces like Etsy.

• Design ideas that appeal to your target audience or niche.
  
  

Tips:

• Start simple with a few popular items like custom t-shirts or hoodies, and expand your store as you learn what sells.

• Use your store’s analytics to track sales and see which marketing efforts are working.
  
  

2. Sell digital products

With digital products, you create something once and sell it forever, building a stream of passive income. From eBooks and printable art to budget spreadsheets and social media templates, these items are popular because they help people learn a skill, save time, or get organised.

Best for: Problem-solvers who can package their knowledge into useful tools.

Requirements:​

• A digital product idea that solves a specific problem.

• Free tools to create your products, like Canva or Google Workspace.

• A sales channel, like Etsy, or your own website.
  
  

Tips:​

• Start by creating a digital product that solves a problem you’ve experienced yourself.

• Use social media to show your target audience how your product can make their lives easier.
  
  

3. Start a dropshipping business

Dropshipping is similar to Print on Demand – you don’t have to buy or manage any inventory. The main difference is that with dropshipping, you sell existing, ready-to-ship products from a supplier, with no custom designs.

Because it’s so easy to set up, dropshipping is a great online side hustle for beginners. However, since you’re selling products that other stores might also offer, building a unique brand can be more challenging.

Best for: Entrepreneurs who want to launch an online store quickly without handling stock.​

Requirements:

• A reliable dropshipping supplier.

• An eCommerce platform or marketplace that allows dropshipping.
  
  

Tips:

• Identify a niche with trending or hard-to-find products that your audience is searching for.

• Focus on building strong digital marketing skills to attract customers and drive sales.
  
  

4. Sell stock photos

Selling stock photography is a flexible side hustle where you upload your images to platforms like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock. You get paid a commission every time someone licenses one of your photos.

This side hustle isn’t just for professional photographers. Many brands are looking for authentic, natural-looking photos for their social media. Even simple shots of your desk setup, a walk through the beautiful Canadian wilderness, or your morning coffee can sell if they have the right look and feel.

Best for: Hobbyist or professional photographers looking for a low-effort way to earn passive income from their photos.​

Requirements:​

• A camera or a good smartphone.

• Photo editing apps for your desktop or mobile.

• Accounts on one or more stock photo platforms.
  
  

Tips:

• Pay attention to trending themes and visual styles.

• Use specific, descriptive keywords (e.g., "Vancouver skyline at sunset") to make your images easy to find.
  ​

Related read: How to sell photography prints like a pro

Source: Pexels

AI or tech-driven side hustle opportunities

If you’re comfortable with technology, these side hustles can open up new ways to make money online.

5. Create and sell AI prompts

Selling well-crafted prompts for AI tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney has become a popular way to earn extra income while working full-time. You’re essentially selling a shortcut that helps people get better results from AI without wasting time and credits on trial-and-error.

Best for: Skilled AI users who want to monetize their prompt-crafting expertise.

Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of one or more popular AI tools.

• An eCommerce platform or marketplace to sell your prompt packs.
  
  

Tips:

• Thoroughly test your prompts to ensure they consistently deliver high-quality results.

• Bundle prompts into packs for specific niches – like marketing for Canadian small businesses or academic research – to provide more value.
  
  

Related read: How to make money with AI – Ideas and practical tools

6. Flip and sell websites

Website flipping is like digital real estate. You buy or build a website, improve its content, design, and traffic, and then resell it for a profit.

Many flippers seek websites that already have some search engine traffic, so they don’t have to start from scratch. Entrepreneurs often sell these sites when they’re ready to move on to a new project or want to cash in on the value they’ve built.

Best for: People with skills in web development, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing.

Requirements:​

• An account on a marketplace like Flippa or Empire Flippers.

• The time and skills to improve a website’s content and performance.
  
  

Tips:

• Focus on niches with high-profit potential, like health, finance, or travel.

• Track and document traffic growth to enhance the site's appeal to potential buyers.
  
  

7. Sell NFTs

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) allow creators to sell unique digital assets, like art or music, on blockchain marketplaces.

While the NFT market can be volatile, some digital artists have found it to be a profitable side hustle. Success requires taking the time to understand the space, build a community, and approach it with a clear strategy.​

Best for: Digital artists with an interest in blockchain technology.

Requirements:​

• A crypto wallet and an account on an NFT marketplace like OpenSea.

• A basic understanding of blockchain and digital ownership.
  
  

Tips:

• Build a strong personal brand and community around your art to stand out.

• Be mindful of transaction fees (known as "gas fees") and price fluctuations.

Source: Pexels

Skill-based side hustles and freelance jobs​

Many Canadians start freelancing alongside their day job and gradually build a roster of clients, eventually turning their side hustle into a full-time career.​

8. Offer digital marketing services

​Every business today needs a strong online presence, making digital marketing services one of the fastest ways to earn good money. This field covers everything from social media marketing and email campaigns to SEO. Many small, local Canadian businesses lack the time or expertise to handle this in-house, so they turn to freelancers for assistance.

Best for: Marketers who can create effective campaigns and demonstrate measurable results.

Requirements:

• Expertise in at least one area of digital marketing.

• A profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn to find clients.
  
  

Tips:

• Start by specialising in one service, like social media management for local restaurants, to build your reputation.

• Gather testimonials and case studies to show potential clients the value you provide.

Source: Fiverr

9. Become a virtual assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) helps business owners and entrepreneurs with tasks they don’t have time for. This can range from administrative tasks, such as email management and scheduling, to more specialised tasks, like content writing or bookkeeping.

Best for: Highly organised people who are quick learners and have great time-management skills.

Requirements:

• A profile on VA job boards or freelance platforms.

• The ability to adapt to the needs of different clients.
  
  

Tips:

• Identify in-demand skills you can learn quickly, like social media scheduling or podcast editing.

• Establish clear communication habits with each client to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.
  
  

Related read: How to make money from home

10. Become an online tutor

Help students from elementary school to university with subjects like math, science, or French through video calls. Online tutoring has gained popularity as parents seek flexible, one-on-one learning support for their children.

Best for: Teachers, university students, or subject matter experts.

Requirements:​

• Deep knowledge in a specific academic subject.

• A profile on tutoring platforms like Preply.
  
  

Tips:​

• Getting a tutoring certification can help you stand out and build trust with parents.

• Offer a free 15-minute trial session to attract new students.

Source: Pexels

11. Create and sell online courses

Package your expertise into an online course with video lessons, slides, and downloadable guides. While creating a course takes significant effort upfront, it can generate passive income for years without requiring you to teach live sessions.

Best for: Professionals or hobbyists with a skill that other people want to learn.

Requirements:

• A topic you know inside and out.

• A platform like Udemy or Teachable to host and sell your course.
  
  

Tips:​

• Research common questions in your field to structure your course content.

• Include practical exercises or projects that help students apply their new knowledge.

Source: Udemy

12. Start an online coaching business

Unlike an online course, coaching is a live, one-on-one service. You provide guidance to help clients achieve their goals in areas like fitness, career development, or business growth. Because it’s a highly personalised service, coaching often commands higher rates and can become a very successful business.

Best for: Experts with a proven track record and strong reputation in their field.​

Requirements:​

• A professional website and social media presence to build credibility.

• A video conferencing tool like Zoom or Google Meet for sessions.
  
  

Tips:​

• Offer free "discovery calls" to connect with potential clients and see if you're a good fit.

• Share valuable insights and tips on social media to demonstrate your expertise.
  
  

13. Become a voiceover artist

Have a great voice? You can make money doing voiceover work for commercials, audiobooks, podcasts, and animated videos. With production hubs like Toronto and Vancouver, and a growing demand for digital content, there are always businesses and creators looking for the right voice to bring their projects to life.

Best for: People with a clear speaking voice and a passion for performance.

Requirements:

• Good quality audio recording equipment and software.

• A profile on platforms like Voices.com or Backstage.
  
  

Tips:​

• Create a demo reel with different voice styles and share it on your professional profiles.

• Practice sight-reading scripts to deliver lines naturally and efficiently.

Source: Pexels

Creator economy side hustles

If you enjoy creating content and building an online community, the creator economy offers countless side hustle opportunities.​

14. Become a social media influencer

Think you need millions of followers to make money as an influencer? Think again. If you love creating content and connecting with people, there's a place for you. Many Canadian brands are eager to partner with micro-influencers who have a dedicated, niche audience that trusts their recommendations.

Best for: People who love creating content and starting conversations online.

Requirements:​

• An active presence on one or more social media platforms.

• A consistent posting schedule.

• A clear niche and authentic personality that resonates with your followers.
  
  

Tips:

• Focus on being genuine and relatable. Authentic content often performs better than overly polished posts.

• Collaborate with other Canadian creators to cross-promote and expand your reach to new audiences.
  
  

Related read: Best time to post on Instagram​

15. Launch a YouTube channel

Starting a YouTube channel is one of the most popular ways to monetize your passion or personality. Creators can earn ad revenue through the YouTube Partner Program and also make money from brand sponsorships, affiliate links, and selling their own YouTube merch.​

Best for: Creators who enjoy teaching, entertaining, or sharing their ideas through video.

Requirements:​

• A YouTube channel.

• A basic filming setup (a smartphone can work to start).

• Video editing software.
  
  

Tips:

• Look for trending topics within your niche and add your unique perspective.

• Engage with your comments to build a loyal community around your channel.

Source: Pexels

16. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing is like getting paid to recommend your favourite products. You share special links to products or services, and when someone makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission. Many affiliates build blogs or social media accounts around a specific niche where people are actively looking for trustworthy reviews, from camping gear to tech gadgets.

Best for: Creators who genuinely enjoy sharing product recommendations.

Requirements:

• A platform to share content, like a blog or social media account.

• Membership in affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or the Printful Affiliate Program.
  
  

Tips:​

• Only promote products you actually use and believe in – your audience will trust your authenticity.

• Create content that compares similar products, as many shoppers research this information before buying.
  
  

17. Start a podcast

Did you know that a huge percentage of podcast listeners are open to learning about brands they hear advertised on a show? This makes podcasting a powerful way to build an audience and make money through ads, sponsorships, or direct listener support. You can also sell your own products, like custom podcast-branded merchandise, to your dedicated fans.

Best for: Natural conversationalists who love to share stories and ideas.​

Requirements:​

• A good microphone and audio editing software.

• A hosting platform like Buzzsprout or Anchor to distribute your episodes.
  
  

Tips:

• Invite guests onto your show to bring in fresh perspectives and tap into their audience.

• Diversify your income by offering premium content, coaching, or webinars related to your podcast’s niche.

No-experience online side hustles

These online side hustles are perfect for beginners. You can pick up short tasks, work whenever you want, and stay in full control of your schedule – no special skills required.

18. Test websites and apps

Companies will pay you to test their websites and apps and give honest feedback on the user experience. It’s a beginner-friendly way to make money online and help brands improve their products.

Best for: People who enjoy exploring new websites and apps.​

Requirements:

• A computer or smartphone.

• An account on a platform like UserTesting.
  
  

Tips:​

• Provide clear, detailed, and constructive feedback to increase your chances of being invited to more tests.

• Enable notifications to receive new testing opportunities as soon as they become available.
  
  

19. Offer transcription services

If you’re a fast typer with excellent attention to detail, transcription could be a great fit. You’ll listen to audio files from meetings, podcasts, or videos and convert them into written text from the comfort of your home.

Best for: Detail-oriented people who enjoy focused, independent work.

Requirements:

• A computer, headphones, and transcription software.

• Strong typing and grammar skills.

• A profile on a freelance platform with transcription jobs, like TranscribeMe.
  
  

Tips:

• Learn keyboard shortcuts for your transcription software to speed up your workflow.

• Ask your client if you can use AI tools to generate a first draft, which you can then edit for accuracy.
  
  

20. Take online surveys

Earn small amounts of cash or gift cards by taking surveys for market research companies. Brands use this feedback to understand consumer preferences and improve their products and services. While it won't replace a full-time income, it's an easy way to make a little extra money in your spare time.

Best for: People who enjoy sharing their opinions.

Requirements:

• A computer or smartphone.

• Accounts on trusted survey platforms like Swagbucks or User Interviews.
  
  

Tips:

• Check your email regularly for new survey invitations.

• Stick to surveys that match your interests to provide more thoughtful and valuable responses.

How to pick a side hustle

To build an online side hustle that you’ll actually stick with, consider these key factors before you jump in.

Time required vs flexibility

Some side hustles, such as freelance client work, may have fixed deadlines and require consistent weekly hours. Others, like selling digital products, let you work at your own pace. Be realistic about the amount of time you can commit. If you only have weekends or evenings free, choose flexible options.​

Required skills and learning curve

Think about what you already know how to do and what you’re willing to learn. Taking online surveys requires no prior experience, while offering web design services has a much steeper learning curve. Starting with your existing skills will help you see results faster and stay motivated.

Startup costs and tools needed

Most online side hustles have some upfront costs, even if they’re small. A YouTuber might need a microphone, while a print-on-demand seller might pay for a subscription to a platform like Shopify. List out what you need to start versus what you can upgrade later. Many free tools, such as Canva and Google Workspace, can help you get started on a tight budget.

Business and tax considerations​

Most side hustlers in Canada start as sole proprietors, which is the easiest structure to set up. As you grow, you might consider incorporating. You'll also need to report your income to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Generally, you must register for and collect GST/HST once your business earns over C$30,000 in a year.

Common pitfalls to avoid when side hustling

Starting a side hustle is exciting, but keeping it going takes strategy. Here’s what to watch out for.

Overcommitment

Balancing a side hustle, a day job, and a personal life can be overwhelming. Taking on too much at the beginning is a fast track to burnout. Start small with one client, one product, or one social media platform. Once you have a steady process, you can scale up.

Underestimating the investment

Every online side hustle requires an investment of either time or money. Be prepared for a learning curve, and track the time it takes to complete tasks and the expenses incurred for tools or marketing. This will help you price your products or services correctly and plan for realistic growth.​

Relying too heavily on one platform

Building your entire business on a single platform, such as Etsy or Upwork, can be risky. Algorithms change, and accounts can get suspended. Create a safety net by building your own website, growing an email list, and being active on multiple social media channels. This way, you always have a direct line to your customers.​

Conclusion

Starting an online side hustle in Canada can open the door to extra income, new skills, and greater financial freedom. Whether you choose to sell products, offer freelance services, or build a content empire, success comes from patience and consistent effort.

Ready to start your journey with almost zero upfront cost? Join Printful! With our Canadian fulfilment centre, on-demand printing, and seamless integrations with top eCommerce platforms, you can create and sell custom products and build your brand without ever managing inventory.