Start a Recreational and Vacation Camps Business in Victoria
This page helps you plan and start a recreational and vacation camps operation in Victoria, BC (NAICS 721214). It breaks down what you need to know before you launch: the six key requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, cost ranges, and a realistic timeline from concept to opening. Use the step-by-step guidance to assemble your plan, gather documentation, and set a practical budget.
You’ll walk away with a clear six-item checklist for start-up readiness: zoning and land-use approval for your site, corporate registration and tax IDs, health and safety permits, general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, fire safety compliance, and staff training plus background checks. We also outline typical permit costs, ongoing operating expenses, and a practical timeline to move from idea to open.
Victoria’s outdoor lifestyle, tourism draw, and network of local partners make it a strong fit for camps. With supportive city services and nearby resources, you can balance safety, fun, and business growth—and get your camp up and running faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a recreational and vacation camp in Victoria is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. If you hire staff, you must register with WorkSafeBC and maintain ongoing coverage; this is a legal obligation and you cannot legally operate without it. Even if you plan to rely mainly on volunteers, most camps have paid roles, so having Workers’ safety coverage is non-negotiable and foundational for safe, compliant operation.
Next come the mandatory health, safety, and permitting steps. You’ll need a current municipal Business Licence from the City of Victoria to run a camp in the local area. If you operate under a name other than your own, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration. In addition, ensure your facilities meet safety standards, have clear emergency procedures, and maintain basic safety practices for campers and staff. These operational requirements help protect campers and keep you in good standing with local rules.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to interact with federal programs. If you use a trade name, register it with BC’s Corporate Registry (BC Business Name Registration). GST/HST registration applies once your annual taxable revenue exceeds the $30,000 threshold (you can also register voluntarily). If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll D deductions with the CRA. Getting these registrations in place early keeps your finances organized and ready for growth.
Ready to move forward? Start by confirming WorkSafeBC coverage, then secured local licensing, and decide your business naming. Contact the City of Victoria for licensing, the CRA for a BN and payroll setup, and consider a quick session with a bookkeeper or advisor to map out the steps. You’ve got a clear path—take it one step at a time and you’ll be well on your way to a compliant, well-run camp.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) 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 recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds):
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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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