Launch Your Burnaby Travel Agency: A Practical Start Guide
Starting a travel agency in Burnaby is exciting and doable. This page gives you a clear, practical path aligned with NAICS 561510. Learn the six essential requirements you’ll meet, plus the permits, typical costs, and a realistic timeline to launch. We’ve organized a simple overview of registration, licensing, and setup steps so you can move from idea to booked trips without the guesswork.
You’ll walk away with a concrete plan: the six requirements you’ll meet (business registration in Canada/BC, Burnaby municipal business license, GST/HST number, bank/accounting setup, insurance or bonding, and travel supplier onboarding and compliance). We’ll outline the typical costs (licensing, insurance, technology, marketing) and a realistic timeline (weeks to a couple of months). Plus practical tips for a home-based or small-office setup and choosing the right software.
Burnaby’s location near Vancouver, strong tourism sectors, and diverse demand make it a smart launchpad for a travel agency. You’ll tap local networks, suppliers, and a growing market in BC.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a travel agency in Burnaby is BC Travel Agent/Wholesaler Licence. This licence is legally required to offer and book travel services in British Columbia, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable, so securing this licence should be your first step before hiring staff, signing contracts, or accepting client payments. Start by checking the provincial licensing authority’s requirements and timelines, and build your application into your startup plan.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational requirements to keep your business safe and compliant. Health and safety come first, and BC requires WorkSafeBC coverage for most employers. If you have staff, you’ll need to set up coverage, report payroll, and implement basic safety training and policies. Even for a solo operation, establish clear safety practices, keep essential records, and be prepared for inspections. Grouping these items helps you stay organized as you get your business off the ground.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) registration with the Canada Revenue Agency. If you operate under a name other than your own, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. For ongoing tax obligations, apply for GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold or you expect to collect GST/HST from clients. If you have employees, you’ll also handle Payroll Deductions registrations and withholdings.
Next steps: map out a practical timeline, gather the required documents, and reach out to the relevant agencies (BC government, CRA) or a local business advisor for help. Start with the licence, then complete registration for your BN and business name, set up WorkSafeBC, and arrange GST/HST and payroll processes. With a clear plan, you’ll be ready to launch your Burnaby travel agency confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a travel agencies in Burnaby:
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BC Travel Agent/Wholesaler Licence RequiredLicence for travel agents and travel wholesalers in British Columbia issued by Consumer Protection BC Apply through Consumer Protection BC. New agency licence: $1,480 (2025). Branch office: $960. Travel Assurance Fund contribution: $723. Renewal: $888-963. Licence expires 3 months after fiscal year-end. Home-based and independent contractors also require licence. Contact: Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.
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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 travel agencies:
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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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