Launch Your Tour Operator Business in Burnaby Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a tour operator business in Burnaby. You'll find a clear overview of the five essential requirements, plus what it costs and how long it takes to get running. We break the process into manageable steps, highlight the permits and registrations you’ll need, and point you to local resources that support new tour operators.
What you'll learn: how to register your business under NAICS 561520, the licenses and permits required in Burnaby and British Columbia, and what costs to expect (insurance, business registration, marketing, vehicles). We'll provide a practical timeline from idea to launch, with milestones for each requirement and best-practice tips to avoid delays.
Burnaby is a great fit for tour operators, with easy access to Vancouver’s markets, diverse attractions, and a supportive small-business climate. The city’s clear permit paths and local guidance help you move faster from concept to customer, so you can start delivering memorable experiences sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a tour operator business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate a business or collect revenue without it. The BN is non-negotiable—it unlocks your ability to file taxes, handle payroll, and manage GST/HST when you charge it to customers.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. If you hire employees, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory, and you must maintain ongoing coverage. You should also check whether Burnaby requires any local permits or licenses for your tours and put in place basic safety practices for trips—vehicle maintenance, passenger safety protocols, and clear emergency plans.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you may need BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate under a trade name rather than your own legal name. For taxes, register for GST/HST when your taxable revenue meets the threshold (you can also register voluntarily to start reclaiming input tax credits). Any employees require Payroll Deductions Registration, tied to your BN with the CRA, and you’ll use that setup to handle payroll obligations.
Encouragement: Getting these registrations in place builds a solid, compliant foundation. Start by confirming whether you need BC Business Name Registration, then obtain your BN, consider GST/HST registration, and set up payroll if you’ll have staff. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, step-by-step checklist with direct links to the official forms to make this even easier.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a tour operators in Burnaby:
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your tour operators:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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