Launch a Victoria RV Parks and Campgrounds in 6 Steps
This page walks you through starting an RV parks and campgrounds business in Victoria (NAICS 721211). You’ll find a practical, six‑requirement roadmap—from zoning and environmental considerations to licenses and site development. It’s designed for real‑world progress, with actionable steps, transparent cost estimates, and a realistic timeline to help you move from idea to opening with confidence and a solid plan you can share with partners or lenders.
You’ll learn the six requirements in detail, the permits you’ll need (zoning, building permits, occupancy, wastewater, fire safety), and the typical costs of land, utilities, equipment, insurance, and fees. We outline a practical timeline from site selection and permitting to construction milestones and licensing, with tips to anticipate delays, coordinate with regulators, and keep tenants happy from day one.
Victoria’s scenic beauty, growing tourism, and central location on Vancouver Island make it ripe for RV parks and campgrounds. This city‑specific guide helps you capitalize on demand while staying compliant, building a loyal guest base, and delivering great outdoor experiences.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a RV parks and campground business in Victoria is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the federal government and you need it to handle taxes, payroll, and other government programs. You cannot legally operate without a BN—it's non-negotiable. Think of the BN as your single federal ID for essential filings and interactions with government agencies.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees and keep up with the necessary registrations. In addition, you’ll typically need a municipal business licence to operate a campground. If you’re using a name other than your own, BC Business Name Registration applies. Depending on your site, there may also be local permits or inspections required, such as zoning checks or fire safety requirements.
Business Registration & Tax: With your BN in place, you’ll handle other registrations and taxes as well. Register your BC Business Name if you’re operating under a name other than your personal name, and set up GST/HST Registration for taxable sales. If you hire employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration. The BN ties these filings together, so keep your numbers current and aligned with your business activities.
Encouragement: You’ve got a solid foundation to start with. Begin by securing your BN, then line up the municipal licence, WorkSafeBC coverage, and BC name registration as needed, followed by GST/HST and payroll registrations. Take it step by step, and if you’d like, I can help you map a practical, site-specific checklist to keep you organized and on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a rv (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds in Victoria:
-
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 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.
-
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 rv (recreational vehicle) parks and 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: