Launch a Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation Business in Surrey
This page helps you plan and launch a land-based scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Surrey (NAICS 487110). It provides a practical, step-by-step overview of the six startup requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to your first tours. Costs vary with vehicle choice and coverage, but this guide helps you budget and plan.
What you'll learn: a clear requirements overview that covers the six essential steps—business registration and a Surrey city business license, provincial passenger-transport approvals, vehicle registrations and safety inspections, insurance, and driver qualifications. We'll break down costs (licensing, vehicle setup, insurance, inspections) and outline a practical timeline to move from idea to operation.
Why Surrey is a great fit: Surrey’s growing tourism scene and easy access to Vancouver-area sights create solid demand for land-based tours. The city’s business-friendly environment, plus opportunities to partner with hotels and attractions, makes it a practical starting point for your scenic transport business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is the foundation for handling taxes, filing returns, and working with government programs such as GST/HST and payroll. Without a BN, you cannot legally open税 accounts or properly remit taxes, and you won’t be able to meet government requirements. This step is non-negotiable and sets the stage for everything else you’ll do.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health, safety, and permits. In Surrey, you need a valid City of Surrey Business Licence to operate within the city limits. If you’re using a trade name, you also must complete BC Business Name Registration for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. In addition, WorkSafeBC coverage is required for any employees, and you should have basic safety policies and training in place to protect staff and passengers. These items ensure you’re operating legally and protecting everyone on and around your vehicles.
Business Registration & Tax necessities cover the formal registrations you’ll likely need beyond the BN. Revisit your BC Business Name Registration if you’re running under a name other than your own, make sure your BN is on file with the Canada Revenue Agency, and register for GST/HST if your revenue meets (or you prefer to register early). If you hire staff, set up Payroll Deductions registrations and manage remittances to CRA. This group keeps your finances in order and ensures you’re compliant as your business grows.
Next steps: clarify your business structure, gather the required documents, and start the registrations with the appropriate agencies. Check Surrey’s city licensing requirements, register your business name, obtain your BN, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and payroll setup. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well-positioned to launch your scenic tours confidently and compliantly in Surrey
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, land in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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 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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