Launch a Water Scenic and Sightseeing Transport Business in St. John's
On this page, you’ll find a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water business in St. John’s (NAICS 487210). We break down what you need to get from idea to launch—frank, actionable advice, not fluff. You’ll discover the nine essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get your first voyage on the water.
Here’s what you’ll learn: the nine essential requirements to launch in St. John’s: 1) business registration in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2) a CRA Business Number and GST/HST registration, 3) St. John’s municipal business license, 4) vessel registration and Transport Canada Certificate of Inspection for a passenger vessel, 5) crew licensing and safety training, 6) commercial insurance (liability and hull), 7) safety equipment and drills, 8) environmental compliance and waste management, 9) budgeting and timeline planning. We’ll also cover permits and registrations, expected startup costs, and a realistic timeline from company setup to your first public tour—typically 3–6 months, sometimes longer for larger vessels.
St. John’s coastal beauty and vibrant tourism scene make this a natural fit for water-based sightseeing. With a strong demand for coastal tours, the city offers great potential for a scenic transport business that showcases Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean scenery.
Requirements Overview
Starting a scenic and sightseeing water transportation business in St. John’s requires completing several mandatory registrations before you can legally operate. The core steps to get going include registering your business name if you’ll use a trade name and obtaining a local business licence. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes, and you’ll decide your legal structure—corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor—accordingly.
Operational health and safety and permits are essential. Ensure you have Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL coverage for employees, which provides workers’ compensation. Make sure your business licence is current so you can operate in St. John’s. While these items are administrative, they are critical for safe, compliant day-to-day operations and help protect both customers and crew.
Business Registration & Tax: Your chosen structure determines the registrations you need. For corporations, you’ll complete Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration or NL Corporation Registration; for partnerships, Partnership Registration is appropriate. You’ll also use your BN for federal taxes, and GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies exceed the required thresholds. If you have employees, you’ll set up Payroll Deductions Registration as part of payroll compliance.
Next steps and encouragement: Map out your preferred structure, pick a business name, and file the registrations in the recommended order. Check with local authorities in St. John’s and consider a quick chat with a local business advisor to confirm which items apply to your specific plan. Take it one step at a time, stay organized, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation to start offering scenic water tours.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scenic and sightseeing transportation, water in St. John's:
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Business Name Registration RequiredRegistration to operate a business. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of St. John's. Apply to City of St. John's 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 St. John's 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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Newfoundland & Labrador Corporation/Business Registration RequiredBusinesses in Newfoundland and Labrador operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with the Registry of Companies. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal protection for the business name and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed in person or by mail. Sole proprietorship and partnership registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business in Newfoundland & Labrador: 1. Reserve business name ($10 non-refundable) 2. Complete registration through CADO online portal 3. Pay incorporation fee ($270 online with share capital) 4. Receive certificate of incorporation 5. File annual returns ($75) 6. Sole proprietors only register if using trade name
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Newfoundland & Labrador WorkplaceNL Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Newfoundland. Employers in Newfoundland and Labrador must register with WorkplaceNL (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkplaceNL provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under a no-fault system. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their industry assessment rate and assessable earnings. To register with WorkplaceNL: 1. All employers in NL must register with WorkplaceNL 2. Register online through WorkplaceNL portal 3. Report assessable earnings annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.73/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. MCAE is $76,955 for 2024
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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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NL Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Newfoundland. Incorporation under NL law. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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