Launch a Scenic and Sightseeing Transport Business in Longueuil
This page helps you start a scenic and sightseeing transport business in Longueuil, aligned with NAICS 487990. It offers a practical, step-by-step roadmap from setup to your first tour. You’ll get a clear overview of the nine core requirements, the permits you’ll need, and realistic costs and timelines to move your idea forward with confidence.
What you’ll learn: a concise nine-item checklist that includes business registration, a transport operation license, vehicle and driver qualifications, commercial insurance, vehicle safety inspections, municipal permits, tax setup, and ongoing compliance. We’ll also cover the permits you’ll apply for (provincial and local), typical startup and ongoing costs, and a practical timeline from planning to your first launch. Startup and ongoing costs vary with fleet size and coverage, but you should budget tens of thousands CAD upfront with ongoing annual costs for insurance, maintenance, and permits.
Why Longueuil works for scenic tours: Located near Montreal with easy access to riverfront routes and popular sightseeing spots, Longueuil offers steady demand for guided tours and shuttle services. A supportive local business community, lower startup friction than a bigger city, and strong tourism ties can help you grow quickly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Longueuil is Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the federal government and you need it to file taxes, issue invoices, and work with government systems. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and you should obtain it before starting any other registrations. This is non-negotiable.
Operational requirements focus on health, safety, and local permits. You’ll need a valid Business Licence from the City of Longueuil to run a transportation service. If you hire employees, you must register with Quebec CNESST for workers’ compensation. If your business is set up as a partnership or a corporation, you’ll also need the corresponding registrations—Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration—as part of getting properly set up.
Business Registration & Tax: In Quebec, you’ll register for a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). You’ll also need GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. These identifiers help you stay compliant with taxes, payroll, and reporting, and they work together with your BN to keep your business in good standing.
Encouragement: Start by gathering your basic business details, then apply for the BN, contact Registraire des entreprises to obtain NEQ/REQ, and obtain the Longueuil Business Licence. If you hire, set up CNESST for workers’ compensation and arrange GST/HST and payroll registrations. You’ve got a clear path—take the first step now, and consider reaching out to a local business advisor or government resources if you’d like guidance along the way.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, other in Longueuil:
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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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Longueuil. Apply to Ville de Longueuil 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 Ville de Longueuil Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your scenic and sightseeing transportation, other:
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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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