Launch Your Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation Business in Burnaby
This page walks you through starting a land-based scenic and sightseeing transport business in Burnaby under NAICS 487110. It offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap: a quick overview of the five essential requirements, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get your first trips on the road. Designed for entrepreneurs, it focuses on actionable steps you can follow this week to move from idea to licensed operator.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare: five core requirements—business registration with BC Registry, provincial operator permits, vehicle and safety standards, commercial liability insurance, and qualified drivers with the necessary endorsements. We outline where to apply, what inspectors will review, and the expected timeline. You’ll also see major cost areas—registrations, insurance, vehicle readiness, and initial marketing—so you can budget confidently from day one.
Burnaby’s proximity to Vancouver’s attractions, parks, and scenic routes makes it a strong base for tours. With a growing tourism scene and supportive local resources, this city is well-suited for a successful scenic transport business. Use this page to understand the requirements, plan your permits, budget for startup costs, and stay on a practical timeline as you launch your Burnaby service.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the federal government’s identifier you need to legally run your business, file taxes, and work with agencies for GST/HST and payroll. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and it’s non-negotiable—without it you’ll be blocked from essential registrations and filings that keep a business compliant.
Operational health and safety come next. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration if you have employees or contract workers such as drivers or guides. This protects your team and keeps you aligned with BC safety rules. In addition, be mindful of any permits or approvals that govern passenger transportation in BC or Burnaby, and make sure you’re meeting local requirements before you start carrying passengers.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need a BC Business Name Registration if you’re not operating as a sole proprietor under your own legal name. Also plan for GST/HST Registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Your BN ties these pieces together, but it helps to know what each registration covers as you grow your operation.
Next steps: map out your business structure, gather the documents (identity, proposed business name, address, details about your vehicles and routes), and start with BN registration. Then register the BC business name if needed, decide on GST/HST and payroll options, and set up WorkSafeBC coverage. If you’d like, I can help you create a simple Burnaby-specific checklist to keep you moving confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, land in Burnaby:
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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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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 scenic and sightseeing transportation, land:
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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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