Launch Your Toronto Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land Venture
This page gives you a practical roadmap to launching a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Toronto (NAICS 487110). You’ll find a clear overview of the 9 requirements you must meet, plus the permits, licensing steps, and safety standards for land-based tours. We also break down typical startup costs and a realistic timeline from planning to your first ride.
What you’ll learn: a step-by-step requirements overview; the licenses and city permits to secure; vehicle and driver safety standards; insurance needs and registration basics; and how to plan your budget. You’ll also get a practical timeline showing when to complete each milestone and tips to avoid delays, so you can move from idea to operating tour smoothly.
Toronto is a natural fit for scenic tours, with a thriving tourism scene, iconic neighborhoods, and a strong transit network. The city’s established rules for land-based transportation help you launch confidently and grow your sightseeing business responsibly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal must, and you cannot legally run tours or hire drivers without meeting OHSA requirements. It’s non-negotiable. Focus on creating a safe operating environment: train staff in safety procedures, keep vehicles well maintained, conduct regular risk assessments, maintain clear incident records, and ensure every team member understands safety rules for passengers and workers.
Beyond safety, you’ll need essential permits and registrations before you start serving customers. This includes Tour Operator Registration, a Business Licence from the City of Toronto, and Ontario Business Name Registration if you’re using a name other than your own. If you employ people, you must follow Employment Standards Compliance and set up payroll practices to stay compliant. Grouping these together helps you see the path from getting authorized to actually operating.
Business Registration & Tax is the next key area. Start with obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle tax and program needs. If your revenue meets the threshold, you’ll need GST/HST registration. If you have employees, you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions Registration and ensure WSIB coverage for workplace injuries. Make sure your Ontario Business Name Registration (via ServiceOntario) is in place so your business is properly recognized and ready to operate.
You’ve got this—take it step by step. Create a simple compliance checklist, gather the needed documents, and file applications in sequence. Consider reaching out to a local small business centre or regulatory advisor to confirm requirements and set a realistic timeline. With a clear plan and steady execution, you’ll be on solid legal footing and ready to start offering great tours.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, land in Toronto:
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Tour Operator Registration RequiredTour and sightseeing operators must register with Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), maintain compensation fund contributions, and comply with consumer protection. Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) regulates. Tour operators need registration under Travel Industry Act 2002. $3,000 initial registration. Bond required ($10K+ based on sales). Compensation fund contribution ($0.05/$1000). Consumer protection. Annual renewal. TICO education program. Contact TICO: 905-624-6241.
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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 Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto 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 Toronto Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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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