Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money in Alberta
A side hustle is a flexible way to earn additional income on top of your primary job. It could be a hobby that you can make money from, freelancing or even a part-time job. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt like your credit card, save for a vacation (or staycation), or have some extra spending money, a side hustle can help you achieve those financial goals while allowing you to explore your passions.
Before we dive in, let’s get something straight. Not everyone has the time, energy, or capacity to start a side hustle. Many Albertans are already juggling work, parenting, studying, and other responsibilities. Our goal with this post isn’t to push “hustle culture” or make you feel like you need to do more. Your mental health is important too. We simply want to offer ideas for those who are looking for ways to earn some extra income or live debt free.
If you don’t have the time for a side hustle, that’s okay. We work with hundreds of Albertans each year who face financial challenges and can’t take on a second job. The key to improving a tough financial situation is a willingness to make a change, a solid plan, and the right support. If you’re ready to take that first step, we can help with the rest. Give us a call or book an appointment to see how we can assist you.
Why Consider a Side Hustle?
Living in Alberta, where costs can be different depending on where you live, it’s important to have some extra money saved up. We should all make a budget to track our income and expenses each month. But sometimes, even with a budget, it’s hard to save enough money to reach our goals. That’s when getting a side job can help.
Earning even an extra $100 a month from a side hustle can make it easier to stick to your budget and avoid overspending, which can lead to debt and even bankruptcy. Plus, if your side hustle revolves around a hobby or passion, it can be both enjoyable and profitable.
Here are 20 side hustle ideas to get you thinking:
- Blogging
- Baking
- Tutoring
- Selling Products Online
- Freelance Writing
- Dog Walking/Pet Sitting
- Virtual Assistant
- Driving for Rideshare Services
- House Sitting
- Upcycling
- Photography
- Personal Fitness Training
- Cleaning Services
- Event Planning
- Snow Removal
- Teaching Online Courses
- Gardening and Landscaping
- Freelance Graphic Design
- Renting Out Your Space
- Tour Guide
If you have a passion for writing, blogging can be a great way to share your thoughts and make money. Platforms like WordPress or Medium make it easy to start. Once you’ve built up an audience, you can monetize through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing. Consider topics that resonate with Albertans, such as outdoor activities, local events, or Calgary Stampede experiences.
Love baking? Turn your kitchen into a small business by selling baked goods at local markets or through social media. In Alberta, there’s a demand for unique and homemade baking products, especially during holiday seasons or at events like the Calgary Farmer’s Market.
Whether online or in-person, tutoring is a valuable service. Specialize in subjects like math, science, or languages, which are always in demand. Alberta’s school curriculum offers opportunities for tutors to help students prepare for provincial exams or improve in areas where they struggle. Check out Tutor Doctor for inspiration.
You can sell products on platforms like Etsy or Shopify. From handmade crafts to vintage items, the possibilities are endless. For Alberta-specific products, consider creating items that highlight local culture or resources, like Rocky Mountain-themed art or Alberta-made goods. For a local twist, check out Alberta’s Own.
If you enjoy writing, why not get paid for it? Freelance writing can involve anything from content creation to ghostwriting. Many businesses in Alberta are looking for local writers to create content that resonates with a Canadian audience, particularly in industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism.
Many Albertans are pet owners who need help with their furry friends. Offering dog walking or pet sitting services can be a flexible and rewarding side hustle. This is especially lucrative in urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton, where busy professionals may need more time to care for their pets during the day. You can list your services on PetBacker.
A virtual assistant provides administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs. Tasks can range from managing emails to scheduling appointments. With the rise of remote work, many companies in Alberta are looking for virtual assistants to help with their operations. Get inspiration from the Southern Albertan company Virtual Gurus.
Alberta’s cities are well-suited for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. If you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy driving, this could be a flexible way to earn extra income, especially during peak hours or events like the Calgary Stampede.
With many Albertans owning vacation properties or travelling frequently, house sitting has become a popular and trusted service. House sitters take care of properties while the owners are away, ensuring peace of mind for those who travel often.
If you’re crafty and environmentally conscious, upcycling could be your perfect side hustle. Turn old furniture or clothing into new, stylish items and sell them at local markets or online. Albertans appreciate unique, sustainable products, and upcycling fits the bill. Get some inspiration from this Calgary-owned small business, Reworks Upcycle Shop.
Alberta’s stunning landscapes and vibrant cities offer endless photography opportunities. If you have a talent for capturing beautiful moments, consider selling your photography online or offering your services for events. Join local photography groups like the Calgary Camera Club to network and find gigs.
If you’re passionate about fitness, becoming a personal trainer can be a lucrative side gig. With many Albertans focused on healthy living, there’s a demand for personal trainers in gyms, parks, or even online. Get certified through CanFitPro and start offering your services.
Offer cleaning services for homes or businesses. Many busy professionals in Alberta are willing to pay for reliable cleaning services. You can start by offering your services to neighbours or through platforms like Facebook.
Alberta hosts many events throughout the year, from weddings to corporate functions. If you’re organized and creative, event planning could be a rewarding side hustle. Consider specializing in unique Alberta events like ranch weddings or mountain retreats.
As we all know, Alberta winters can be long, and snow removal is often in demand. Offer your services to clear driveways and walkways in your neighbourhood. This side hustle can be especially profitable during heavy snowfall periods. You can advertise locally or through platforms like Kijiji.
If you have expertise in a particular area, consider teaching online courses. Platforms like Udemy allow you to create and sell courses on virtually any subject. Albertans are always looking to learn new skills, from photography to finance.
Offer your gardening or landscaping services during the warmer months. Many Albertans need help maintaining their yards, from mowing lawns to planting flowers and picking weeds. This seasonal job can be lucrative part-time work, especially in suburban areas.
If you have a knack for design, freelance graphic design could be your ideal side hustle. Many small businesses in Alberta need logos, websites, and marketing materials. Get started by showcasing your portfolio on platforms like 99designs or Upwork.
If you have extra space in your home, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb. Alberta is a popular destination for tourists, and you can capitalize on this by offering unique stays, such as a room in a cabin near the Rockies. Learn more about hosting through Airbnb Canada.
If you know your local area well, consider becoming a tour guide. Alberta’s natural beauty and historical sites attract tourists year-round. Whether it’s a walking tour of Calgary’s downtown or a guided hike through Banff National Park, you can offer unique experiences.
Start Your Side Hustle Today
Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be daunting. Begin with something you’re passionate about, and consider how it can fit into your lifestyle. Whether it’s a hobby you’ve always enjoyed or a new skill you’re eager to learn, the key is to start small and grow from there. The extra cash can help to reduce your money stress, and the extra work will help you spend less. Alberta offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to make extra income, so why not take the plunge and see where your side hustle can take you?
Have questions?
Need more information or want to talk to an accredited financial counsellor for peace of mind? Let us help.
Call 1-888-294-0076 or book an appointment. It’s free for all Albertans.
