Best Side Hustles for Tour Guide

As a tour guide, you can leverage your skills and knowledge to create multiple income streams. Here are the best side hustles for tour guides in Canada, including descriptions, income potential, essential tools and resources, and steps to get started.

Custom Walking Tours

Offer personalized walking tours in your local area. Highlight unique historical landmarks, cultural spots, or hidden gems that aren’t covered in typical guidebooks.

Income Potential:

$50–$200 per tour, depending on the duration and group size.

Tools and Resources:

• A curated walking route.
• A smartphone or tablet for showing visual aids.
• Booking platforms like Airbnb Experiences or GetYourGuide.

How to Get Started:

1. Research your area and design a compelling walking tour.
2. Sign up on platforms like Airbnb Experiences or promote through social media.
3. Gather testimonials and improve your tours based on feedback.

Virtual Tours

Host virtual tours for international clients who cannot travel to Canada. Use live video to showcase popular attractions and share engaging stories.

Income Potential:

$30–$100 per session.

Tools and Resources:

• A good-quality webcam or smartphone.
• A stable internet connection.
• Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
• Editing software for pre-recorded tours.

How to Get Started:

1. Choose a theme or focus for your virtual tour.
2. Promote your services on social media or tour guide forums.
3. Record a demo session to attract clients.

Photography Tour Services

Combine your guiding skills with photography by offering photo tours to tourists. Help them capture perfect shots while sharing interesting facts about the locations.

Income Potential:

$75–$250 per session.

Tools and Resources:

• A camera or smartphone with good resolution.
• Knowledge of photography techniques.
• Social media platforms to showcase your portfolio.

How to Get Started:

1. Design a tour route featuring photogenic spots.
2. Promote your service through Instagram or Facebook.
3. Partner with local photography clubs for referrals.

Freelance Writing About Travel

Use your expertise to write blogs, travel guides, or articles about Canadian destinations.

Income Potential:

$50–$500 per article, depending on the platform and length.

Tools and Resources:

• A laptop or tablet.
• Grammarly for editing.
• Websites like Upwork or Freelancer for job opportunities.

How to Get Started:

1. Create writing samples based on your tour experiences.
2. Pitch your services to travel blogs or online magazines.
3. Build a portfolio website to attract more clients.

Create Online Travel Courses

Develop an online course teaching others how to become successful tour guides or explore Canadian destinations.

Income Potential:

$100–$1,000 per course, depending on the content and platform.

Tools and Resources:

• Platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
• Canva for creating course materials.
• A microphone and camera for recording.

How to Get Started:

1. Outline your course structure.
2. Use platforms like Udemy to publish and promote your course.
3. Collect feedback and update the course to increase enrollment.

Seasonal Tour Services

Offer tours tailored to specific seasons, such as fall foliage walks, winter snowshoeing adventures, or spring flower tours.

Income Potential:

$60–$300 per tour.

Tools and Resources:

• Seasonal equipment like snowshoes.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Collaboration with local tourism boards.

How to Get Started:

1. Identify seasonal highlights in your area.
2. Advertise through local tourism offices or community boards.
3. Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion.

Private Chauffeur Tours

Offer guided tours for small groups while driving them to popular destinations.

Income Potential:

$150–$500 per day, depending on the tour.

Tools and Resources:

• A clean, insured vehicle.
• A valid driver’s license.
• GPS or navigation tools.

How to Get Started:

1. Obtain any necessary permits for driving tours in your province.
2. List your services on platforms like TripAdvisor or ToursByLocals.
3. Create packages tailored to client preferences.

Conclusion

Tour guiding in Canada offers incredible opportunities for side hustles that complement your skills and interests. Whether you’re crafting custom tours or creating digital content, these side hustles can boost your income while enriching the experiences of travelers. Choose one or more ideas, take action, and start growing your tour guide business today!