You’re scraping by, bills piling up, and your 9-to-5 isn’t cutting it.
Sound familiar?
Maybe you’re wondering how to make extra cash without quitting your job or drowning in stress.
Side hustles are the answer, and apps make it stupidly easy to start.
Canada’s got a booming gig economy, and I’ve dug into the 11 best side hustle apps to help you bank more in 2025.
Why Truehost.ca Is Your Side Hustle Secret Weapon
Every side hustle needs a digital home base—whether it’s a blog, portfolio, or online store.
That’s where Truehost.ca comes in, the cheapest and most reliable web hosting provider in Canada.
For pennies, you get blazing-fast servers, 24/7 support, and a platform to showcase your hustle.
Imagine launching a freelance writing site or selling custom merch without breaking the bank.
Truehost.ca makes it happen, so your side gig looks pro without draining your wallet.
Check them out at Truehost.ca and start building your empire.
What Makes a Side Hustle App Legit?
Not all side hustle apps in Canada are created equal. Some promise quick cash but deliver headaches or shady vibes. Here’s what I looked for to pick the cream of the crop:
Real Earnings: Apps with proven payouts, not just hype.
Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want.
Low Barrier: No crazy fees or skills required to start.
Canadian Focus: Apps that work seamlessly in Canada’s market.
These 11 apps check all the boxes, and I’ve got stories and tips to help you crush it.
1. Deliver Food, Stack Cash on Uber Eats
Sarah, a Vancouver mom, delivers on weekends.
She makes $200-$300 extra a week, enough to cover her kid’s hockey fees.
“It’s like getting paid to drive around and listen to podcasts,” she says.
Food delivery is a no-brainer side hustle. Uber Eats lets you deliver meals on your own schedule. Drivers in Toronto and Vancouver pull in $15-$30/hour during peak times.
Why It Works:
- High demand in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal.
- Tips can double your earnings on busy nights.
- No experience needed—just a car, bike, or scooter.
Pro Tips:
- Hit Peak Hours: Lunch (11 AM-2 PM) and dinner (5 PM-9 PM) are goldmines.
- Choose Hot Zones: Stick to busy areas like downtown or near universities.
- Track Expenses: Gas and maintenance add up. Use a mileage tracker to save on taxes.
2. DoorDash Is Another Food Delivery Heavyweight
DoorDash is Uber Eats’ biggest rival. It’s huge in Canada, especially in suburban areas. Earn $15-$25/hour, with top dashers hitting $30+ in big cities.
Why It Works:
- Flexible scheduling—work 2 hours or 20.
- “Challenges” boost pay for completing X deliveries.
- Available in smaller cities like Kelowna and Halifax.
Pro Tips:
- Accept High-Value Orders: Skip $3 orders; aim for $7+ payouts.
- Multi-App Strategy: Run DoorDash and Uber Eats at the same time to double opportunities.
- Stay Friendly: Good customer ratings unlock better gigs.
3. SkipTheDishes Is Another Canada’s Homegrown Delivery Star
SkipTheDishes is a Canadian favorite, dominating in Winnipeg and Saskatoon. Drivers earn $14-$22/hour, with tips pushing it higher.
Why It Works:
- Strong presence in mid-sized cities.
- Easy app interface for newbies.
- Weekly payouts keep cash flowing.
Pro Tips:
- Work Events: Concerts and game nights spike orders.
- Use an Insulated Bag: Keeps food hot, earns better tips.
- Check Promotions: Skip offers bonuses during bad weather or holidays.
A Winnipeg teacher, Priya, delivers after school. She clears $150 a week, funding her summer travel.
“It’s like a workout and payday rolled into one,” she laughs.
4. Grocery Delivery for Big Payouts on Instacart
Instacart lets you shop and deliver groceries. Full-service shoppers earn $15-$25/hour, with batches paying $20-$50 in busy areas.
Why It Works:
- No car? Be an in-store shopper for hourly wages.
- High demand in urban and suburban Canada.
- Batches pay more than food delivery for less driving.
Pro Tips:
- Shop Fast: Learn store layouts to finish batches quicker.
- Prioritize Big Orders: Multi-family shops pay $30+ per trip.
- Communicate: Text customers about substitutions to avoid rating dings.
Read also: How to Start Delivery Side Hustles in Canada: Tips + Platforms to Join
5. Offer Pet Sitting Services for Animal Lovers on Rover
Love dogs? Rover connects you with pet owners needing sitters or walkers. Earn $15-$30/hour walking dogs or $30-$100/night for boarding.
Why It Works:
- Perfect for pet lovers with flexible schedules.
- Set your own rates and services.
- Canadians love their pets—demand is huge.
Pro Tips:
- Get Reviews: Offer a free walk to build 5-star ratings.
- Specialize: Offer grooming or training for higher rates.
- Be Reliable: Cancellations tank your profile.
6. Freelance Gigs for Any Skill on Fiverr
Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers—writing, design, voiceovers, you name it. Beginners earn $5-$50/gig, while pros charge $100-$500.
Why It Works:
- No degree needed—just a skill and a profile.
- Work from home, set your own hours.
- Global client base means endless opportunities.
Pro Tips:
- Niche Down: “SEO blog writer” beats “general writer.”
- Upsell: Offer add-ons like faster delivery for extra cash.
- Optimize Your Gig: Use keywords like “Canadian freelancer” to stand out.
Liam in Ottawa started writing product descriptions on Fiverr.
He now earns $2,000/month, quitting his retail job.
“It’s crazy how a laptop and Wi-Fi changed my life,” he says.
7. Win High-Paying Freelance Projects on Upwork
Upwork is like Fiverr but for bigger projects—think web development or marketing. Freelancers earn $20-$100/hour, with top earners hitting $200+.
Why It Works:
- Clients post serious budgets for quality work.
- Build a portfolio to land long-term contracts.
- Safe payments through the platform.
Pro Tips:
- Perfect Your Profile: Highlight Canadian experience to attract local clients.
- Start Small: Bid on low-budget gigs to build feedback.
- Use Connects Wisely: Don’t waste bids on oversaturated jobs.
8. Find Handyman and Odd Jobs on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects you with people needing help—furniture assembly, moving, or cleaning. Earn $20-$50/hour, with skilled tasks like plumbing hitting $80+.
Why It Works:
- Great for handy folks or those who love physical work.
- Set your own rates and availability.
- Big in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
Pro Tips:
- List Multiple Skills: Furniture assembly + moving = more gigs.
- Bring Tools: Clients love self-sufficient taskers.
- Get Certified: TaskRabbit’s “Elite” badge boosts visibility.
Example: Carlos in Edmonton does furniture assembly on weekends. He makes $400-$600 a month, funding his car mods.
“It’s like getting paid to solve puzzles,” he chuckles.
9. Rent Your Space for Passive Income on Airbnb
Got a spare room or vacation home? Airbnb lets you rent it out. Hosts earn $500-$3,000/month, depending on location and demand.
Why It Works:
- Passive income with minimal daily effort.
- High demand in tourist hotspots like Banff or Niagara.
- Control your calendar and guest rules.
Pro Tips:
- Pro Photos: Invest in good listing pics to stand out.
- Price Smart: Check nearby listings to stay competitive.
- Clean Like Crazy: 5-star cleanliness ratings drive bookings.
Read also: 11 Best Passive Side Hustles in Canada
10. Rent Your Car for Easy Cash on Turo
Turo is like Airbnb for cars.
Amir in Montreal rents his SUV on Turo.
He earns $600/month, paying off his car loan.
List your vehicle when you’re not using it and earn $300-$1,000/month.
Why It Works:
- Perfect for urban Canadians with parked cars.
- Insurance included through Turo’s platform.
- Set your own pricing and availability.
Pro Tips:
- Start Low: Lower prices attract renters and reviews.
- Keep It Clean: Spotless cars get 5-star ratings.
- Add Extras: Charge for delivery or unlimited mileage.
11. Sell Crafts or Digital Products on Etsy in Canda
Etsy is a goldmine for creative Canadians. Sell handmade goods or digital downloads like planners.
Sellers earn $100-$5,000/month, with top shops hitting six figures.
Why It Works:
- Low startup costs—start with a laptop and creativity.
- Global audience for unique Canadian crafts.
- Passive income potential with digital products.
Pro Tips:
- Trend Research: Use tools like EverBee to find hot niches.
- Batch Create: Make products in bulk to save time.
- SEO Optimize: Use keywords like “Canadian handmade” in listings.
How to Pick the Right Side Hustle App for You
With 11 options, where do you start? Ask yourself these questions:
- Time: How many hours can you commit weekly?
- Skills: Got a knack for writing, fixing things, or walking dogs?
- Goals: Need quick cash or long-term passive income?
- Location: Urban hustles (delivery) differ from rural ones (Etsy).
Quick Guide:
- Fast Cash: Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart.
- Creative Vibes: Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy.
- Passive Income: Airbnb, Turo.
- Low Effort: Rover, TaskRabbit.
Read also: 11 Best Remote Side Hustles in Canada (Legit Ideas + Tips)
Taxes and Side Hustles: Don’t Get Burned
Side hustle cash is taxable in Canada. The CRA doesn’t mess around.
Here’s the deal:
- Report Everything: Even cash payments need to be declared.
- Track Expenses: Deduct gas, supplies, or home office costs to lower your tax bill.
- Use Software: Apps like QuickBooks or Wave make tax season painless.
Pro Tip:
Hire a cheap accountant or use TurboTax for small hustles. It’s worth the $50-$100 to avoid CRA headaches.
Read also: 11 Lucrative Side Hustles for Teachers in Canada: Ideas + Tips to Stack Cash
Why Side Hustles Are a Game-Changer in 2025
Canada’s cost of living is brutal. Groceries, rent, gas—everything’s up. Side hustles give you control.
- Extra Cash: Pay off debt or save for a vacation.
- Skill Building: Learn marketing, coding, or customer service.
- Freedom: Work when you want, not when a boss says.
Take Sarah, Mike, or Sophie—they’re not millionaires, but they’re winning. They started small, used these apps, and turned spare time into stacks.
You can too.
Final Thoughts
Stop overthinking.
Pick one app, sign up, and start.
Momentum builds fast.
Whether it’s delivering tacos, walking dogs, or selling art, there’s an app for you.
And don’t forget Truehost.ca to make your hustle look legit online.
The only thing holding you back is you.
Get after it.
Read also:
- 11 Best Passive Side Hustles in Canada: Build Wealth Without the Grind
- 15+ Profitable Home-Based Businesses to Start in Canada with $50K
