Launch Your Vancouver RV Parks and Campgrounds Business
This page is your practical quick-start guide to launching an RV parks and campgrounds business in Vancouver (NAICS 721211). It breaks down the six essential startup requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from plan to opening. Designed for first-timers and operators expanding to Vancouver, it keeps things clear, doable, and focused on real results.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the six essential requirements you must address include zoning and land-use approvals, a campground permit from the city, a business license, and health, safety, and fire-code compliance; plus insurance and financing, with a practical project timeline from planning to opening. You’ll also learn where to apply, approximate costs for site prep, utilities, and licensing, and a realistic schedule for planning, approvals, construction, and launch.
Why Vancouver? The city’s access to stunning outdoors, steady traveler demand, and strong tourism infrastructure make it a welcoming backdrop for a modern RV park. With careful zoning, smart site design, and a commitment to safety and service, you can build a campground that attracts locals and visitors year-round while meeting regulatory requirements and keeping costs under control.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Vancouver is obtaining a Vancouver Business Licence. This license, issued by the City of Vancouver, is required for most commercial activities, including RV parks and campgrounds. You cannot legally operate without it, and you’ll need to renew it annually. Think of it as the doorway you must have before anything else can proceed.
Beyond licensing, focus on health, safety, and practical permits. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registrations and set up payroll deductions. If you’ll operate under a name other than your own, you should register BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership so your business is clearly identified in contracts and signage. These elements help keep your site safe and your operations clear to guests and regulators.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and, depending on your operations, GST/HST and payroll registrations. GST/HST registration is required once you exceed the $30,000 revenue threshold (you can also register voluntarily to claim input credits). Payroll deductions are needed if you have employees, and the BN is used for tax remittance and other filings.
Next steps: contact the Vancouver licensing office to secure your Licence, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and decide on your business structure. If you’ll use a named business, register your BC name; obtain a BN from the CRA, and add GST/HST and payroll registrations as your business grows. With these steps in place, you’ll be well on your way to a compliant, smoothly run RV park.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a rv (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds in Vancouver:
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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 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.
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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 rv (recreational vehicle) parks and 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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