Launch Your All Other Traveler Accommodation in Victoria
This page guides you through starting an All Other Traveler Accommodation in Victoria (NAICS 721199). It’s a practical, friendly guide with a six-requirement roadmap, the permits you’ll likely need, estimated costs, and a realistic timeline from launch to occupancy. Whether you’re converting space or creating a small unit, you’ll get a clear, doable path to opening.
You’ll learn the six requirements you must meet, plus where to file the necessary permits. We cover the City of Victoria business license, zoning/occupancy approvals, safety inspections, and insurance, then break down typical costs (licensing fees, registrations, safety upgrades, insurance) and map a step-by-step timeline so you know what to do and when.
Victoria’s coastal charm and steady tourist demand make it a strong choice for traveler accommodations. With a welcoming local scene and clear rules for short-term stays, starting your All Other Traveler Accommodation here can be rewarding and achievable with a simple, well-planned approach.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria, BC is a Business Licence. This is a municipal permit issued by the City of Victoria, and you cannot legally run an all‑other traveler accommodation in the city without it. Having a valid licence is non‑negotiable—operate without it at your own risk of fines, orders to close, or trouble with guests. That licence is the foundation you must secure before taking any other steps.
Once you’re licensed, focus on health, safety, and permits. You’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for any staff or contractors you hire, and you should follow relevant health and safety rules to protect guests and workers. In addition, be prepared for city inspections or permit requirements related to your property (such as fire safety and occupancy considerations) to ensure the space is safe and compliant for guests.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll typically need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes, GST/HST, and payroll if you have employees. If you operate as a sole proprietor or a partnership, you’ll also register a BC Business Name. GST/HST Registration may be required once your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration applies if you have staff. These registrations ensure you’re legally able to collect taxes and properly remit them.
Next steps: Start by securing your Victoria Business Licence, then set up your BN with the CRA, register your BC Business Name if needed, and complete GST/HST and payroll registrations as applicable. Gather the necessary documents, set clear timelines, and consider a quick consult to tailor a practical, step‑by‑step plan. You’ve got this—taking these steps now will set a strong, compliant foundation for your accommodation business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other traveler accommodation in Victoria:
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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).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 traveler accommodation:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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