Launch a Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation Service in Quebec City
This page shows how to start a Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation business in Quebec City (NAICS 487990). It summarizes the 8 key requirements, the permits you’ll need, and the typical startup costs and timeline to move from idea to ready-to-operate. Use this as a practical checklist to assess what you must prepare before you begin taking bookings.
This guide walks you through the concrete steps: register your business, secure insurance, meet vehicle and driver standards, and develop a safety and accessibility plan. You’ll see where to apply for municipal and provincial permits, what documents to gather, and a realistic timeline and cost ranges to plan your launch.
Quebec City’s historic charm and steady tourist activity make it a smart place to launch a scenic tour service. With a welcoming visitor base and clear permit pathways, you can build memorable experiences along the Old City walls, the riverfront, and nearby attractions.
Requirements Overview
Starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Quebec City requires several registrations to operate legally. The core registrations you must obtain up front are the federal Business Number (BN), the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and the Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises). Depending on your chosen business structure, you may also need Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. These registrations are mandatory; you cannot legally operate without them, so plan to complete them before you start driving passengers.
For health and safety, if you hire staff you must register with the Quebec CNESST (the workers’ compensation and safety program) and follow applicable workplace rules. You’ll also handle payroll deductions for your employees (income tax, Quebec pension plan, etc.). Keeping up with CNESST requirements and payroll obligations protects your workers and your business and helps you stay compliant in a passenger-transport operation.
On the business registration and tax front, your BN and NEQ connect your business to federal and provincial systems, while REQ confirms your company is properly registered with the Quebec Registrar of Enterprises. Your chosen structure may require Partnership Registration or Quebec Corporation Registration. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your taxable sales meet the threshold, and you’ll manage payroll deductions for any employees you hire.
Next steps: decide your business structure, then complete the BN, NEQ, and REQ registrations. Check whether GST/HST registration applies, and set up CNESST and payroll processes. If you’d like, I can draft a simple step-by-step checklist tailored to your plans and help you stay on track as you get ready to launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, other in Quebec City:
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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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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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