Small boat tours for visitors

Tourists, visiting families, cruise and hotel guests, and local groups booking birthdays, team outings or small events.

A price per passenger on scheduled departures, plus higher fixed prices for private charters. Add-ons like snacks, photos or a guide commentary can lift the average booking.

• Safe, confident boat handling
• Friendly storytelling and local knowledge
• Scheduling and booking management

• Carrying paying passengers is regulated federally, so check vessel inspection, crew certification and safety equipment rules with Transport Canada
• Commercial marine insurance, which is different from ordinary boat cover and usually costs more
• Short seasons in most regions: plan your cash flow for the winter months
• Weather cancellations and refund policies
• Local dock, harbour or marina permits, and any park or wildlife viewing rules, which vary by area
• GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and provincial or tourism rules where you operate

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the boat you buy, its condition and the equipment you need. Get quotes for your own vessel and insurance before you commit.

Carrying paying passengers is regulated federally, so check vessel inspection, crew certification and safety equipment rules with Transport Canada. Also check commercial marine insurance, local dock or harbour permits, and any park or wildlife viewing rules where you operate.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on the season, how many trips you run and private charters. Seasons are short in most regions, so plan cash for the winter months.