Best Fun Jobs in Canada (That Actually Pay 2026)

ALT Text for Main Image: A group of young film extras in period costumes laughing on a movie set in Toronto, representing the excitement of the entertainment industry.

Let's be honest: Most advice about "Good Jobs" is boring.

Parents tell you to be an Accountant. Teachers tell you to work in a Bank. But for many Canadians, the idea of wearing a suit and sitting under fluorescent lights for 40 years is a nightmare.

In 2026, the "Experience Economy" is booming. People are spending more money on entertainment, travel, and leisure than ever before. This has created a massive demand for workers who bring energy and personality to the table.

These jobs aren't just about money (though some pay surprisingly well); they are about Lifestyle. They offer free ski passes, backstage access, or the chance to see your name in the credits of a video game.

If you want a job you can actually brag about at a party, here are the best fun jobs in Canada right now.

1. Film Extra / Background Actor

• The Vibe: "Get paid to stand there and look cool."
• Where: Toronto ("Hollywood North") and Vancouver.
• The Job: Walking in the background of a Netflix show or sipping coffee in a Hallmark movie.
• The Pay: $16.55 – $30.00 per hour.
  • Non-Union: Minimum wage (~$150/day).
  • ACTRA (Union): If you get into the union, rates jump to $28+/hr with overtime and food allowances.
• Why it’s fun: You get free food ("Craft Services"), you see celebrities, and there is zero stress. You just do what you're told.
• How to start: Sign up with agencies like ML Talent (Toronto) or Lucas Talent (Vancouver).

2. Budtender (Cannabis Sommelier)

• The Vibe: "The most relaxed retail job in the world."
• Where: Everywhere, but huge in BC and Ontario.
• The Job: Helping customers choose the right strain of cannabis. You are essentially a bartender for weed.
• The Pay: $17.00 – $22.00 per hour + Tips.
• Why it’s fun: The customers are chill (obviously). The atmosphere is usually modern and laid back. Plus, you get samples and industry discounts.
• Requirement: You need a provincial license (e.g., CannSell in Ontario or Selling It Right in BC). It costs ~$50 and takes a few hours online.

3. Video Game Tester (QA)

• The Vibe: "Play the game before anyone else."
• Where: Montreal (Ubisoft/EA), Vancouver, and Edmonton (BioWare).
• The Job: Playing a specific level of a game 50 times to find "bugs" or glitches.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour.
• The Reality: It is repetitive work, but for a gamer, being inside a dev studio is a dream come true. You get free games, launch party invites, and a foot in the door for the Tech Industry.
• Related: If you love tech but want to work from home, check our Online Jobs Guide.

4. Ski Lift Operator ("Lifty")

• The Vibe: "The ultimate winter lifestyle."
• Where: Whistler (BC), Banff (AB), Blue Mountain (ON).
• The Job: Helping skiers get on the chairlift and ensuring safety.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour.
• The Real Payoff: A Free Season Pass (worth $1,500+). You work in the morning and snowboard for free on your breaks.
• Housing: Many resorts offer subsidized staff housing (dorm style), which is a huge party scene for people in their 20s.
• Internal Link: This is a classic seasonal role. See more in our Jobs for Foreigners Guide (many Australians/Brits do this).

5. Dog Walker / Pet Sitter

• The Vibe: "Paid to exercise with puppies."
• Where: Wealthy neighborhoods in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
• The Job: Picking up 3-5 dogs and taking them to the park.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $35.00 per hour.
• The Math: If you walk 4 dogs at once and charge $20 per dog for an hour, you make **$80/hr**. Even after expenses, it is lucrative.
• Why it’s fun: No boss. No office. Just fresh air and dogs.

6. Brewery Assistant / Brand Rep

• The Vibe: "Craft beer culture."
• Where: Local microbreweries in every major city.
• The Job: Helping brew the beer, canning it, or working the "Tap Room" serving flights.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour + Tips.
• Why it’s fun: The craft beer community is incredibly social. You spend your day talking to people who are happy to be there.
• Requirement: Smart Serve (or provincial equivalent).

7. Tour Guide (Ghost Tours / Food Tours)

• The Vibe: "Performance art."
• Where: Tourist hubs like Old Quebec City, Niagara Falls, or Ottawa.
• The Job: Leading groups of tourists around and telling stories.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour + Huge Tips.
• The "Tip" Factor: A charismatic guide can make $100 in cash tips from a single 2-hour tour.
• Why it’s fun: You are the center of attention. If you like acting or history, this isn't work; it's a show.

Comparison Table: The "Fun Factor"

Practical Questions Answered

"Are these real careers?"

They can be.

• The Path:
  • Budtender -> Store Manager -> Cannabis Sales Rep ($80k).
  • Game Tester -> Producer -> Game Designer ($90k).
  • Film Extra -> Stand-In -> Actor/Agent.
• The Reality: Even if you don't make it a career, doing a "Fun Job" for 2 years in your 20s prevents burnout. You have the rest of your life to work in an office.

"Is the film industry stable?"

No.

• The Risk: It is "Gig Work." You might work 5 days one week and 0 days the next. It is perfect as a Second Job but risky as a primary income unless you are Union (ACTRA).

"Do I need a car for Dog Walking?"

It helps, but not required.

• The Strategy: In dense cities like Toronto (Liberty Village) or Vancouver (Yaletown), you can walk everywhere. In suburbs, you need a van to pick up the dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best fun job for students?

Tour Guide or Event Staff.

These fit perfectly around a school schedule (evenings/weekends) and are social, so you meet other students.

Can I do these jobs part-time?

Yes, almost all of them.

Film Extras, Dog Walkers, and Budtenders often work casual hours.

Do I need to be 19+?

Yes.

For Budtender, Brewery, and many Nightclub roles, you must be of legal drinking/cannabis age (18 or 19 depending on province). For Dog Walking or Skiing, you can be younger—check our Teen Jobs Guide.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• ACTRA Toronto (Background Actors): https://www.actratoronto.com/
• CannSell Ontario (Cannabis Training): https://cannsell.ca/
• Ubisoft Montreal Careers: https://montreal.ubisoft.com/en/careers/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.