Launch Your Saint John Scenic Water Transportation Business
This page guides you through starting a scenic and sightseeing water transportation business in Saint John. You’ll get a practical overview of eight essential requirements, plus the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get your boats on the water.
You’ll learn the eight core requirements to launch under NAICS 487210: business registration; Saint John municipal license; vessel registration or Transport Canada inspection; Transport Canada safety compliance; crew licensing; liability insurance; a formal safety plan; and GST/HST registration. We’ll also cover the costs and steps to secure each permit, so you can plan your kickoff with confidence. Timeline guidance helps map out inspections and approvals—a multi-month process that varies by vessel and location.
Saint John’s harbor, Bay of Fundy access, and a growing tourism scene make it a natural home for scenic water tours. The city supports small operators with a welcoming business climate, local suppliers, and a clear licensing pathway, helping you move from idea to launch faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a scenic and sightseeing transportation business in Saint John is Business Licence. This city licence is legally required to run any business in the area, and you cannot legally operate tours without it. It’s the gatekeeper that confirms you’re authorized to offer services in Saint John, so securing this licence is non-negotiable before you do anything else.
For operational readiness, make sure you cover health, safety, and the right business structure. In particular, you’ll need New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage to protect workers and passengers from work-related injuries. Depending on how you’re organized, you’ll also register the appropriate business structure: Partnership Registration if you’re operating as a partnership, or NB Corporation Registration if you’re incorporated in New Brunswick. These steps ensure your team and your business are recognized and compliant as you begin transporting people.
On the business-registration and tax front, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency for federal tax dealings and filings. If you use a trade name instead of your legal name, you’ll register it with New Brunswick’s SNB (New Brunswick Business Name Registration). You’ll also handle GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. Collectively, these registrations keep your taxes and payroll compliant as you grow.
Next steps: start with the municipal Business Licence, then decide your business structure (partnership or corporation), and set up your BN and SNB as needed. From there, add the tax registrations (GST/HST and payroll) and ensure WorkSafeNB coverage is in place for any staff. If you’d like, I can outline a simple 4–6 week plan to tackle these items in the right order and keep you moving confidently toward launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, water in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John 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 Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your scenic and sightseeing transportation, water:
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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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