Online Business Ideas You Can Start in Canada

563 ideas

These 563 ideas all run mainly online, so you can serve customers across Canada without a shopfront. They suit people who want flexible hours, a lower fixed cost base, or a way to test a business alongside a job.

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Tents, sleeping bags and hiking gear displayed in an outdoor camping shop.

Online camping gear store

Sell a focused range of camping gear online and ship it across Canada from home.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Designer arranging brochure pages and text on a computer screen.

Book and ebook formatting service

Format manuscripts into print-ready books and ebooks for self-publishing authors.

C$400-2k
Side hustle
Online

Group of people following an energetic dance fitness class in a studio.

Online aero dance classes

Teach live dance fitness classes over video from home, with a monthly membership for regulars.

C$300-1.5k
Side hustle
Online

Accountant reviewing tax forms and using a calculator at a desk.

Online bookkeeping for small businesses

Keep the books, payroll and GST/HST filings for small businesses on a monthly fee, working remotely from anywhere in Canada.

C$1k-4k
Side hustle
Online

DJ controller, headphones and speakers displayed on a shop counter.

Online DJ gear shop

Sell DJ controllers, headphones and accessories online to hobbyists and working DJs across Canada.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Large rolls of fabric stacked in a wholesale warehouse.

Online niche fabric wholesaler

Sell one type of fabric by the bolt to small makers and shops online, with stock stored in a garage or small storage unit.

C$5k-25k
Side hustle
Online

Hands fitting a replacement air filter into an engine or unit.

Online furnace and home air filter shop

Sell replacement furnace, HVAC and car cabin filters online, with reorder reminders for repeat buyers.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Incense sticks smoking in a shop display of wooden boxes.

Online incense and accessories shop

Source quality incense and burners, then sell them to customers across Canada through your own website or a marketplace.

C$1k-5k
Side hustle
Online

Folded towels and bed sheets displayed on shelves in a linen shop.

Online linen and towel store

Sell bed linen, towels and table textiles online, shipped from your home or a small storage space.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Trailer hitches, couplings and accessories displayed on shop shelves.

Online trailer parts and accessories shop

Sell trailer parts and hitches across Canada through your own website, shipped from a garage or from your supplier.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

A group doing pilates on mats in a bright studio.

Online pilates classes and membership

Teach live pilates classes over video from home and offer a monthly membership to clients anywhere.

C$300-2k
Side hustle
Online

Rows of shiny alloy car wheels displayed on racks in a wheel shop.

Online wheel and winter wheel package seller

Sell alloy and steel wheels online to drivers and garages, shipped from your supplier or a small home stock.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Sheet music scores and licensing paperwork spread across a desk.

Sync licensing catalogue for film, TV and ads

Build a catalogue of cleared songs and license them to producers, ad agencies and content creators online.

C$800-4k
Side hustle
Online

Bolts of colourful silk fabric displayed in a fabric shop.

Online silk fabric and scarf store

Sell silk by the metre, plus scarves and accessories, to sewers and designers across Canada from a home base.

C$2.5k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Women's clothing hanging on racks inside a bright fashion boutique.

Online womenswear boutique

Sell a carefully chosen range of women's clothing and accessories through your own website and social media.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Shopper browsing tools and paint in a bright hardware store aisle.

Online hardware and fixings shop

Sell a focused range of tools, fasteners or specialty supplies online, with local pickup or delivery.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

Massage tables, bottled oils and therapy equipment displayed in a supply shop.

Online massage supplies store

Sell massage oils, linens and portable tables to therapists across Canada from a website, with no shop rent.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of braces, walking sticks and mobility aids displayed in a supplies shop.

Online braces and mobility aids store

Sell braces, supports and daily living aids online, with local delivery or shipping across your province or Canada.

C$4k-20k
Side hustle
Online

Visitors viewing colourful Aboriginal dot paintings hanging on gallery walls.

Online Indigenous art gallery with pop-ups

Sell Indigenous artists' work online and at pop-up shows, working with artists on fair consignment terms.

C$1.5k-7.5k
Side hustle
Online

Adult students following a teacher at a whiteboard in an English language class.

Online English tutor for adult learners

Teach English one-to-one or in small online classes to learners at home and abroad.

C$200-2k
Side hustle
Online

Visitors viewing paintings on white walls in a gallery exhibition.

Pop-up and online art gallery

Show and sell local artists' work through short pop-up shows and an online shop, earning commission on each sale.

C$800-4k
Side hustle
Online

Cowboy boots and wide-brim hats displayed on shelves in a western clothing store.

Online western wear store

Sell cowboy boots, hats and western clothing to riders and fans across Canada through your own website.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

Shelves of model kits, craft supplies and board games in a family-friendly hobby shop.

Online hobby and model kit store

Sell model kits, paints, craft supplies and games to Canadian enthusiasts from a spare room.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Online

Bowls of dried fruit and mixed nuts displayed on a shop counter.

Online dried fruit and nut store

Sell nuts, dried fruit and snack mixes online and ship across Canada from a small stock room.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
Online

About these ideas

You'll find service ideas like remote video meeting support and online music lessons, plus product ideas such as an online homeware store or online collectables shop. Start by asking what you can realistically deliver and who would pay for it. Then think about how customers will find you, how you'll take payment in CAD ($), and whether you need stock, shipping or software. Check any licensing, tax and privacy requirements that apply to your province and the type of business before you launch.

More ideas

Questions

How do I choose an online business idea that suits me?

Start with your skills, available time and starting budget. Then check whether there is real demand, who your competitors are, and whether you can reach customers affordably. Ideas that rely on services are often cheaper to start than ones needing stock.

Do I need to register an online business in Canada?

It depends on your structure and province. Things to check include whether you need to register a business name, whether you should be a sole proprietor or incorporate, and whether your type of work needs a licence or professional membership.

What should I check about taxes when selling online in Canada?

Check whether you need to register for GST/HST, and whether provincial sales taxes apply to what you sell and where your customers are. It is worth confirming current rules with the Canada Revenue Agency or an accountant before your first sale.