Last Updated: December 26, 2025
With rising costs and stagnant wages, Ottawa residents are increasingly turning to side hustles to bridge the gap - and the opportunities have never been more diverse.
Ottawa side hustles 2025 offer countless ways to earn extra income, whether you have a few hours a week or want to build a full secondary income stream. From delivering food through Skip the Dishes to walking dogs on Rover, tutoring students online, or leveraging government contract work, Ottawa’s unique position as a government town creates opportunities found nowhere else in Canada. This guide covers the best side hustle options, realistic earnings, and how to get started.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa offers diverse side hustle opportunities from delivery apps ($15-25/hr) to tutoring ($25-50/hr) to pet services ($20-35/visit). Government town means unique contract opportunities. Tax obligations apply to all side income.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 💵 Delivery Apps | $15-$25/hour (before expenses) |
| 🐕 Pet Services | $20-$35/visit |
| 📚 Tutoring | $25-$50+/hour |
| 🏠 Airbnb | $100-$200+/night (with license) |
| 🚗 Rideshare | $18-$28/hour (before expenses) |
| 📝 Freelance | Varies widely by skill |
Why Ottawa is Great for Side Hustles
Ottawa’s unique characteristics create diverse income opportunities
Ottawa offers several advantages for side hustlers.
Government Town Benefits
Unique opportunities:
- Contract work with federal departments
- High concentration of professionals needing services
- Stable economy (recession-resistant)
- Bilingual premium for French speakers
- Security clearance creates barriers to entry (opportunity for those who have it)
Demographics
Favorable factors:
- High average income (customers can pay)
- Many dual-income families needing services
- Large student population (U of O, Carleton, Algonquin)
- Growing tech sector professionals
- Dense urban core plus suburban sprawl
Market Size
Potential customers:
- 1+ million metro population
- 180,000+ federal employees
- 60,000+ university students
- 70,000+ tech workers
- Constant influx of newcomers
Delivery & Rideshare
Food delivery and rideshare offer flexible earning opportunities
The most accessible side hustles with immediate earning potential.
Food Delivery Apps
Skip the Dishes
- Most popular in Ottawa
- Order acceptance flexibility
- Scheduling shifts available
- Earnings: $15-$22/hour (before expenses)
Uber Eats
- Flexible, no scheduling required
- Surge pricing during busy times
- Paired with rides option
- Earnings: $14-$20/hour
DoorDash
- Growing in Ottawa
- Peak pay bonuses
- Completion rate matters
- Earnings: $15-$22/hour
Instacart
- Grocery shopping and delivery
- Higher tips typically
- More time per order
- Earnings: $18-$25/hour
Rideshare Driving
Uber
- Requires newer vehicle (usually under 10 years)
- Background check required
- City license needed
- Earnings: $18-$28/hour (before expenses)
Lyft
- Similar requirements to Uber
- Smaller market share in Ottawa
- Often run both simultaneously
- Earnings: $16-$25/hour
Delivery Reality Check
Expenses to deduct:
- Vehicle wear and tear (~$0.20-0.30/km)
- Gas/fuel costs
- Phone data plan
- Insulated bags (food delivery)
- City licensing (rideshare)
Net earnings typically:
- $12-$18/hour after expenses
- Best during lunch/dinner rush
- Friday/Saturday nights most profitable
- Winter can be challenging but lucrative
Freelance & Remote Work
Freelancing leverages your professional skills for side income
Leverage professional skills for higher-paying side work.
In-Demand Freelance Skills
High demand in Ottawa:
- Technical writing (government docs)
- Translation (English-French)
- Web development
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Social media management
- Bookkeeping
- Photography
Freelance Platforms
General platforms:
- Upwork (wide range of projects)
- Fiverr (packaged services)
- Freelancer.com
- PeoplePerHour
Specialized:
- Toptal (top developers/designers)
- 99designs (design work)
- Contently (writing)
- Verblio (content writing)
Finding Local Clients
Ottawa-specific opportunities:
- Small business websites
- Real estate agents (photography, staging)
- Local restaurants (social media)
- Event photographers
- Translation for local businesses
Networking:
- Attend business networking events
- Join Ottawa Business Owner groups
- LinkedIn Ottawa connections
- Chamber of Commerce events
Freelance Earnings
| Skill | Beginner | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Web Development | $40-$60/hr | $80-$150/hr |
| Graphic Design | $30-$50/hr | $60-$100/hr |
| Translation | $0.10-0.15/word | $0.20-0.30/word |
| Writing | $0.10-0.20/word | $0.30-$1.00/word |
| Photography | $100-200/event | $500-2000/event |
Pet Services
Ottawa’s pet owners pay well for quality pet care services
Ottawa pet owners are willing to pay for quality care.
Dog Walking
Platforms:
- Rover (largest platform)
- PetSitter.com
- Local Facebook groups
Earnings:
- $15-$25 per 30-minute walk
- $20-$35 per 1-hour walk
- More for multiple dogs
- Regular clients = steady income
Requirements:
- Love of animals
- Reliability is key
- Some clients want insurance
- Build reputation through reviews
Pet Sitting
In-home sitting:
- $30-$60 per night
- Care for pets in client’s home
- Feed, walk, medication if needed
- Holiday periods most lucrative
Boarding:
- Host pets in your home
- $35-$65 per night
- Requires pet-friendly space
- Build repeat clients
Dog Daycare
Drop-in daycare:
- $25-$40 per day
- Owner drops off morning, picks up evening
- Can watch multiple dogs
- Home must be appropriate
Getting Started
Tips for success:
- Create detailed Rover/platform profile
- Get initial reviews from friends/family
- Offer competitive introductory rates
- Respond quickly to inquiries
- Be flexible with scheduling
- Send photos/updates to owners
- Consider insurance coverage
Tutoring & Teaching
Ottawa’s large student population creates strong tutoring demand
With three major post-secondary institutions, tutoring demand is high.
Tutoring Opportunities
Subjects in demand:
- French (immersion support)
- Math (all levels)
- Science (physics, chemistry, biology)
- English/writing
- Test prep (SAT, LSAT, MCAT)
- Programming/coding
Student populations:
- K-12 students
- University of Ottawa
- Carleton University
- Algonquin College
- Adult learners
Tutoring Platforms
Online platforms:
- Wyzant
- Tutor.com
- Varsity Tutors
- Chegg Tutors
Local options:
- Kijiji ads
- Facebook community groups
- School bulletin boards
- Word of mouth
Tutoring Rates
| Level | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Elementary | $20-$30/hr |
| High School | $25-$40/hr |
| University | $35-$60/hr |
| Specialized Test Prep | $50-$100/hr |
| French Immersion Support | $30-$50/hr |
Teaching Online
Options:
- VIPKid/similar - Teach English to students abroad
- Outschool - Teach courses to kids
- Skillshare - Create courses on skills
- Udemy - Develop and sell courses
Seasonal Opportunities
Ottawa’s seasons create specific income opportunities
Ottawa’s distinct seasons create unique opportunities.
Winter (December - March)
Snow removal:
- Driveway shoveling: $25-$50 per clearing
- Snowblowing: $40-$75 per driveway
- Regular contracts: $200-$400/month
- Major snowfalls = big paydays
Holiday specific:
- Christmas light installation
- Gift wrapping services
- Holiday event staffing
- Retail seasonal work
Spring (April - June)
Yard work:
- Spring cleanup: $100-$300 per yard
- Lawn mowing contracts starting
- Garden prep and planting
- Pressure washing
Moving season:
- Moving helper services
- Junk removal
- Cleaning services
- Painting touch-ups
Summer (July - August)
Outdoor services:
- Lawn care: $40-$80 per cut
- Landscaping
- Pool maintenance
- Outdoor event help
Tourism:
- Tour guiding (Parliament, historical)
- Festival staffing
- Photography services
- Airbnb (peak season)
Fall (September - November)
Yard work:
- Leaf removal: $100-$300 per property
- Fall cleanup
- Gutter cleaning: $100-$200
- Winterizing services
Event & Hospitality Gigs
Ottawa’s active event scene offers hospitality opportunities
Ottawa’s events create temporary income opportunities.
Event Staffing
Opportunities:
- Corporate events
- Weddings (servers, bartenders)
- Conferences and trade shows
- Sporting events (Senators games)
- Music festivals
Staffing agencies:
- Event Elite
- Staff Shop
- Premiere Events
- Local catering companies
Earnings: $15-$25/hour, often with tips
Bartending
Requirements:
- Smart Serve certification
- Some experience preferred
- Professional appearance
Options:
- Private event bartending
- Restaurant/bar weekend shifts
- Wedding bartending
- Corporate events
Earnings: $18-$25/hour + tips ($50-$200 per event)
Photography
Event photography:
- Weddings: $1,000-$5,000
- Corporate events: $300-$800
- Family sessions: $200-$500
- Head shots: $100-$300
Rental Income
Rental income requires understanding Ottawa’s regulations
Rental income can be passive but requires compliance with rules.
Airbnb in Ottawa
Ottawa regulations:
- Must be your primary residence
- $115 annual license fee
- 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax
- Maximum rental limits may apply
- Must collect and remit taxes
Typical earnings:
- Private room: $60-$100/night
- Entire unit: $120-$250/night
- Peak periods (Tulip Festival, holidays) higher
- 60-70% occupancy typical
Getting started:
- Confirm property eligibility
- Obtain city license
- Register for accommodation tax
- Create compelling listing
- Set competitive pricing
- Maintain high ratings
Other Rental Options
Parking spaces:
- Downtown: $150-$300/month
- Near LRT stations: $100-$200/month
- Near Parliament: Premium pricing
Storage space:
- Rent garage/basement space
- List on Neighbour.com, Craigslist
- $50-$200/month depending on size
Equipment rental:
- Camera gear
- Sporting equipment
- Tools
- Party supplies
Online Side Hustles
Online opportunities offer location independence
Work from anywhere with internet-based side hustles.
Content Creation
YouTube:
- Ottawa-focused content
- Local reviews and guides
- Monetization after 1,000 subscribers
- Long-term investment
Blogging:
- Niche expertise
- Affiliate marketing
- Sponsored content
- Takes time to build
Social media:
- Instagram influencer
- TikTok content
- Brand partnerships
- Local business features
Selling Online
E-commerce:
- Dropshipping
- Print on demand
- Handmade goods (Etsy)
- Reselling (Poshmark, eBay)
Digital products:
- E-books
- Templates
- Courses
- Stock photography
Remote Services
Virtual assistance:
- Admin support for businesses
- Email management
- Scheduling
- Research
Customer service:
- Remote call centre work
- Chat support
- Email support
- Often evenings/weekends available
Tax Considerations
All side income must be reported to CRA
Understanding tax obligations is essential.
Reporting Requirements
CRA rules:
- ALL income must be reported
- Self-employment income on T2125
- No minimum threshold - all taxable
- Track all income and expenses
Deductible Expenses
Common deductions:
- Vehicle expenses (mileage or actual costs)
- Home office (if applicable)
- Equipment and supplies
- Phone and internet (portion)
- Professional fees
- Bank fees for business accounts
- Marketing costs
GST/HST Considerations
Registration threshold:
- $30,000 in 4 consecutive quarters
- Once exceeded, must register
- Collect 13% HST in Ontario
- Remit quarterly or annually
Tracking Tips
Stay organized:
- Keep all receipts
- Use accounting software (Wave, QuickBooks)
- Separate business bank account
- Track mileage with app
- Save 25-30% for taxes
Getting Started Tips
Follow these tips for side hustle success
Practical advice for launching your side hustle.
Choosing Your Side Hustle
Consider:
- Time available (hours per week)
- Skills and interests
- Initial investment required
- Income potential
- Flexibility needs
- Physical demands
Starting Checklist
Before starting:
- Research legal requirements
- Check if licensing needed
- Set up separate bank account
- Choose accounting method
- Create business systems
- Set income goals
- Build initial portfolio/reviews
Time Management
Balance tips:
- Set specific hustle hours
- Don’t sacrifice primary job performance
- Build in rest time
- Automate where possible
- Start small and scale
Scaling Up
When successful:
- Track what works best
- Double down on winners
- Consider raising rates
- Build referral systems
- Evaluate turning full-time
FAQ
Q: What is the best side hustle in Ottawa?
The best side hustle depends on your skills and time. For quick starts, delivery apps (Skip, Uber Eats) work immediately. For higher earnings, tutoring ($25-$50/hr) or freelancing in your professional skill pays more.
Q: How much can I make doing side hustles in Ottawa?
Earnings vary widely. Delivery apps typically net $12-$18/hour after expenses. Tutoring pays $25-$50/hour. Pet services earn $20-$35/visit. Some freelancers and Airbnb hosts earn $1,000-$3,000+ monthly.
Q: Do I need to pay taxes on side hustle income?
Yes, all side hustle income must be reported to CRA. There’s no minimum threshold. Track expenses for deductions. Save 25-30% of earnings for taxes. Register for HST if you exceed $30,000/year.
Q: Can I do Uber in Ottawa?
Yes, but you need: a vehicle less than 10 years old, valid G license, clean driving record, criminal background check, and City of Ottawa Vehicle-for-Hire license. Once approved, you can drive for Uber and Lyft.
Q: Is Airbnb legal in Ottawa?
Yes, but with restrictions. It must be your primary residence, you need a $115 annual license, and you must collect and remit the 4% Municipal Accommodation Tax. Short-term rentals of non-primary residences are generally not permitted.
Q: What’s the best delivery app in Ottawa?
Skip the Dishes is the most popular in Ottawa with the most orders. Many drivers run multiple apps (Skip, Uber Eats, DoorDash) simultaneously to maximize earnings and reduce wait times between orders.
Q: How do I start tutoring in Ottawa?
Create profiles on tutoring platforms (Wyzant, Tutor.com), post on Kijiji and Facebook groups, and offer introductory rates to build reviews. Focus on subjects you excel in and target specific student populations (high school, university, French immersion).
Q: Are there side hustles for government workers in Ottawa?
Government employees should check their conflict of interest policies before starting side businesses. Generally, activities unrelated to their work (delivery, pet care, tutoring unrelated subjects) are permitted. Disclose as required.
Q: What side hustles pay the most per hour in Ottawa?
Highest-paying side hustles include specialized freelancing ($60-$150/hr), tutoring specialized tests ($50-$100/hr), photography ($100-$500/event), and skilled trades work ($40-$80/hr). These require expertise but pay significantly more than gig economy work.
Q: How do I find clients for freelance work in Ottawa?
Network at local business events, join Ottawa entrepreneur Facebook groups, optimize your LinkedIn profile, list on freelance platforms, and ask for referrals. Ottawa’s business community is well-connected, so word of mouth spreads quickly.
Final Summary
Ottawa’s side hustle economy in 2025 offers something for everyone, from immediate gig work like delivery and rideshare to skilled freelancing and rental income. The capital’s unique position as a government town creates opportunities you won’t find elsewhere, while its educated, high-income population ensures demand for premium services.
Key takeaways:
- Start simple - Delivery apps require minimal setup
- Leverage skills - Freelancing pays more than gig work
- Go seasonal - Snow removal and lawn care = big money
- Understand taxes - Track everything, save 25-30%
- Build gradually - Start small, scale what works
Whatever your skills, schedule, and goals, Ottawa offers paths to meaningful extra income in 2025.
Sources: Statistics Canada, City of Ottawa, CRA, Rover, Skip the Dishes
