How to Start Delivery Side Hustles in Canada (Platforms to Join)

You’re staring at your bank account, wondering how to make extra cash.

Bills are piling up, and that side hustle idea keeps nagging at you.

Maybe you’ve got a car, a bike, or just some free time.

Delivery side hustles in Canada are calling your name.

They’re flexible, low-barrier, and can put real money in your pocket.

But where do you start? What platforms are worth your time?

How to Start Delivery Side Hustles in Canada: Tips + Platforms to Join

And how do you avoid wasting hours for pennies?

This guide cuts through the noise.

It’s packed with practical tips, platforms to join, and real-world examples.

Think of it as a coffee chat with a friend who’s done this before.

Let’s get you moving and earning.

Why Truehost.ca Is Your Side Hustle’s Secret Weapon

Before we dive in, let’s talk about building your brand.

Delivery side hustles are great, but smart hustlers think bigger.

Want to stand out? Maybe start a website to showcase your services or track your gigs.

That’s where Truehost.ca comes in.

It’s the cheapest, most reliable web hosting provider in Canada.

For pennies, you get a slick site to market yourself or even sell merch down the line.

I used Truehost to launch a simple page for my own delivery gig—$20 a year, zero headaches.

It’s like renting a digital storefront that screams “I’m legit.”

Check them out at Truehost.ca.

Now, let’s get to the meat of starting your delivery hustle.

Why Delivery Side Hustles Are a No-Brainer in Canada

Canada’s gig economy is booming.

Nearly 9 million Canadians are side hustling in 2024.

Delivery is a top pick because it’s straightforward.

You don’t need a degree or fancy skills.

Got a vehicle? You’re halfway there.

Food delivery alone is a $7 billion industry in Canada.

Platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash are hungry for drivers.

Plus, you set your own hours.

Work after your 9-to-5 or on weekends.

It’s cash flow you control.

What’s Holding You Back?

“I don’t know if I’ll make enough.” Earnings vary, but top drivers pull $15-$30/hour.
“What if it’s a scam?” Stick to legit platforms; we’ll cover those.
“I don’t have time.” You choose when to work—30 minutes or 5 hours.
“My car’s too old.” Bikes work too, especially in cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

Let’s tackle how to start, step by step.

Step 1: Pick the Right Delivery Side Hustle for You

Not all delivery gigs are created equal.

Some involve food, others groceries or packages.

Each has its vibe, pay, and requirements.

Here’s how to choose:

Food Delivery: Think Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes.
Fast-paced, lots of orders, tips are common.
Best for city dwellers with quick reflexes.
Grocery Delivery: Instacart, Walmart’s Spark Driver.
Bigger orders, less rush, but you need to shop smart.
Great if you’re organized and like variety.
Package Delivery: Amazon Flex, Dolly.
Fewer trips, bigger items, sometimes higher pay.
Ideal if you’ve got a van or truck.
Specialty Delivery: Think medical prescriptions or niche services.
Less common, but pays well in dense areas.

Pro Tip: Start with food delivery if you’re new.

It’s the easiest to break into.

My buddy Mike in Calgary started with DoorDash.

He made $200 his first weekend working 10 hours.

Not life-changing, but it covered his groceries.

Step 2: Choose the Best Platforms to Join

Canada’s got a ton of delivery apps. Some are gold; others are a waste of gas. Here’s the rundown on the top platforms, with requirements and pay:

1. Uber Eats

What It Is: Food delivery from restaurants to customers.
Where It Operates: Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal.
Requirements: 19+, valid driver’s license, car (or bike in some areas), insurance.
Pay: $10-$25/hour + tips. Instant cash-out option.
Why Join: Flexible hours, high demand, keep 100% of tips.
Downside: Gas and car wear add up.
Join: Sign up on their app, takes 1-2 days to get approved.

Sarah, a teacher in Ottawa, does Uber Eats after school. She averages $15/hour, enough to fund her summer trips. She loves the no-boss vibe.

2. DoorDash

What It Is: Biggest food delivery platform in North America.
Where It Operates: 4,000+ cities, including Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg.
Requirements: 18+, vehicle or bike, driver’s license, insurance.
Pay: $15-$30/hour with tips. Surge pricing during peak hours.
Why Join: Can batch orders for more cash. Free to join.
Downside: Busy areas can be competitive.
Join: Apply online, background check takes a few days.

Jake in Regina doubled his earnings by working dinner rushes. He stacks orders and hits $100 in 4 hours on Fridays.

3. SkipTheDishes

What It Is: Canada’s homegrown food delivery app.
Where It Operates: Strong in Western Canada (Saskatoon, Victoria).
Requirements: 19+, vehicle or bike, license, insurance.
Pay: $12-$25/hour + tips. Weekly payouts.
Why Join: Local focus, less saturated than Uber Eats.
Downside: Smaller reach in rural areas.
Join: Quick sign-up via their website.

4. Instacart

What It Is: Grocery shopping and delivery.
Where It Operates: Most major Canadian cities.
Requirements: 19+, car, able to lift 40 lbs, smartphone.
Pay: $15-$25/hour, more for big orders.
Why Join: Fewer trips, steady demand.
Downside: Shopping takes time; tips aren’t guaranteed.
Join: Apply online, takes a week for approval.

5. Amazon Flex

What It Is: Package delivery for Amazon Prime, Fresh, etc.
Where It Operates: Urban hubs like Toronto, Vancouver.
Requirements: 19+, midsize car or larger, smartphone.
Pay: $18-$25/hour, paid biweekly.
Why Join: Predictable blocks, no customer interaction.
Downside: Strict schedules, less flexible.
Join: Sign up via Amazon’s Flex app.

Hack: Sign up for multiple platforms. You can toggle between apps to grab the best orders.

I did this in Toronto and boosted my earnings by 30%.

Step 3: Maximize Your Earnings with These Tips

Starting is easy. Making good money takes strategy. Here’s how to crush it:

Optimize Your Schedule

Work Peak Hours

Lunch (11 AM-2 PM), dinner (5-9 PM).

Fridays and weekends are goldmines.

Chase Surge Pricing

Apps like DoorDash pay extra during busy times. Check the app for “hot zones.”

Batch Orders

Accept multiple deliveries in the same area. Saves gas, doubles pay.

Example: Lisa in Vancouver works 6-9 PM on Fridays. She targets busy neighborhoods and earns $80 in 3 hours. Her secret? Sticking to high-demand areas like downtown.

Cut Costs

Track Expenses: Gas, insurance, and maintenance eat profits.
Use apps like Everlance to log mileage for tax deductions.
Drive Smart: Avoid idling, plan routes to save fuel.
Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular oil changes prevent costly repairs.

Tom in Halifax cut his gas bill by 20% using Google Maps to avoid traffic. He also writes off 50% of his car expenses since he uses it for deliveries.

Boost Tips

Be Fast: Customers tip more for quick deliveries.
Communicate: Text updates like “On my way, 5 min out.”
Go the Extra Mile: Carry a thermal bag for food, smile, say thanks.

Hack

I started texting customers with a friendly “Enjoy your meal!” Tips went up 15%. Small moves, big results.

Stay Safe

Know Your Area: Avoid sketchy neighborhoods at night.
Use Hands-Free: Mount your phone for GPS to stay focused.
Insure Properly: Check if your car insurance covers delivery.
Some platforms offer supplemental coverage.

Step 4: Scale Your Hustle

Delivery is a great start, but don’t stop there. Here’s how to level up:

Build a Brand: Use Truehost.ca to create a website.
List your services, share customer reviews, or blog about your hustle.
Hire Help: Know someone with a car? Partner up and split profits.
Expand Services: Offer specialty deliveries (e.g., bakery runs).
Go Full-Time: If you’re clearing $1,500/month, consider scaling up.

Maria in Montreal started with Uber Eats.

She built a site on Truehost to advertise her “late-night snack runs.”

Now she’s got a small crew and clears $3,000/month.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Burnout: Don’t overwork. Cap your hours to stay sharp.
Taxes: Save 20-30% of earnings for taxes. Check CRA’s gig economy guide for deductions.
Low-Paying Orders: Skip orders under $1/mile. Your time’s worth more.
Ignoring Reviews: Bad ratings hurt your gig. Fix issues fast.

FAQs About Delivery Side Hustles in Canada

How much can I earn?

$15-$30/hour in cities, less in rural areas. Tips and peak hours boost pay.

Do I need a special license?

Just a valid driver’s license and insurance. Some platforms require a background check.

Can I deliver on a bike?

Yes, in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. Uber Eats and DoorDash allow it.

What about taxes?

You’re self-employed. Track income and expenses. File with CRA annually.

Final Thoughts

Delivery side hustles are a proven way to stack cash in Canada.

They’re flexible, scalable, and don’t need a big upfront investment.

Pick a platform like Uber Eats or DoorDash, start small, and optimize fast.

Use tips like batching orders and working peak hours to max your pay.

And don’t sleep on building a brand—Truehost.ca makes it dirt cheap.

You’re not just delivering food or packages.

You’re building freedom.

Get out there and hustle.

How to Start Delivery Side Hustles in Canada: Tips + Platforms to Join