Launch Your All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services in Vancouver
This page explains how to start an All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services business (NAICS 561599) in Vancouver. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the six requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits and registrations involved, and a realistic cost range and timeline to get your business off the ground.
What you’ll learn includes: how to pick a business structure or name, register your business or incorporate, and obtain a Vancouver business license; GST/HST registration and any provincial filings; essential liability insurance; and a simple setup for your accounting and client records. We also outline the six key requirements, typical startup costs, and a practical launch timeline.
Vancouver’s vibrant tourism scene and supportive small-business ecosystem make it a great place to offer travel arrangement and reservation services. With local partners and a thriving travel network, you can grow efficiently while staying compliant. Plus, Vancouver makes marketing easy with a traveler-focused audience.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Vancouver is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal registration you must have to legally run a business; you cannot operate without it. The BN ties your company to the Canada Revenue Agency for taxes, GST/HST, and payroll, and you’ll use it to file returns and set up accounts. No BN, no legal operation—it's non-negotiable.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety and permits. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and follow safety obligations. You’ll also need a Vancouver City business licence to operate in the city. If you are a sole proprietor or partner, you’ll likely need BC Business Name Registration to use a business name beyond your own legal name. While travel services aren’t typically tied to extra permits beyond licensing, staying compliant with local rules and consumer protections is important as you grow.
Business registration and tax basics: Ensure you have your BN on file; obtain the Vancouver business licence; register your BC business name if appropriate. For taxes, register for GST/HST if your revenue crosses the $30,000 threshold (you can also register earlier to reclaim input tax credits). If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA and manage CPP/EI remittances as required. And remember, WorkSafeBC coverage is a practical safeguard for your team and helps you stay compliant.
Next steps: gather the necessary documents, confirm your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation), check the City of Vancouver licensing requirements, and set up your CRA accounts. Consider talking to an accountant or business advisor to map out timelines and filing steps. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching travel arrangement and reservation services in Vancouver with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other travel arrangement and reservation services in Vancouver:
-
Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Vancouver. Apply to City of Vancouver for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Vancouver Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
-
GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
-
Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
-
WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other travel arrangement and reservation services:
-
Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
-
Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: