Launch Recreational and Vacation Camps in Vancouver: A Practical Start
This page gives a practical, friendly roadmap to starting a Recreational and Vacation Camp in Vancouver (NAICS 721214). You’ll find a clear overview of the six essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, plus a realistic timeline and cost picture so you can plan with confidence. We outline the key areas to check: zoning and land use, Vancouver business license, safety planning, fire code readiness, insurance, and staff and program design.
What you’ll learn includes the six essential Vancouver requirements: zoning/land-use approval, a Vancouver business license, health and safety planning, fire code readiness, appropriate insurance and any necessary regulatory licenses (like child-care, if your camp serves kids), and solid staffing and program planning. We’ll also cover typical startup costs, from facility and licensing to insurance, plus a practical timeline from concept to opening. You’ll leave with a concrete first-step plan and city contact guidance.
Why Vancouver works: the city’s outdoor lifestyle, family-friendly tourism, and supportive local services create solid demand for camps. With clear six-requirement pathways, you can move from idea to open smoother and faster, often within 6–12 months depending on site and approvals.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a recreational and vacation camp in Vancouver is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is the government-issued identifier you need to interact with federal programs for taxes, payroll, and licensing, and you cannot legally operate without it. It’s non-negotiable—secure your BN before you open your doors and start taking bookings.
Next, you’ll handle the essential health, safety, and permits to keep everyone safe. You’ll need a Vancouver Business Licence to legally operate in the city, and you should have WorkSafeBC coverage for staff and campers. These items establish the basic safety and regulatory groundwork for your camp. If you hire employees, plan for the ongoing administration that goes with safe operations, including staying current with any required safety training and program updates.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll want to organize your formal naming and tax numbers. If you operate under a name other than your own, complete BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. You’ll also set up GST/HST Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration (also with the CRA). These registrations ensure you’re properly set up to collect taxes, report them, and remit contributions.
You’re on the right track—these steps map out the essentials. Start with securing your BN, then obtain your Vancouver Business Licence and WorkSafeBC coverage, and finally complete the BC Name Registration and tax registrations. If you’d like, I can help you build a practical, step-by-step checklist and timeline to keep you organized and confident as you move forward.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) 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 recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds):
-
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: …
-
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 …
-
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 …
-
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. …
-
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 …
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: