Local Guided Walking and Small-Group Tours

Tourists, visiting friends and family, school and community groups, and local businesses or hotels that want activities for guests.

A set price per person for each tour, plus private group bookings at a flat rate. Partnerships with hotels and visitor centres can add steady bookings.

• Confident public speaking and storytelling
• Deep knowledge of your local area
• Planning routes and managing groups safely

• Commercial general liability insurance, and ask whether your insurer wants a specific tour or adventure policy
• Check your municipality and province for tour guide or business licence rules, and any permits for using parks or heritage sites
• Winter and off-season gaps in demand, so plan indoor or seasonal options
• Consumer protection and travel rules differ by province, so check before you take payments in advance, especially for multi-day trips

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on whether you walk or use a rented or owned vehicle, plus insurance, marketing and any permits. Walking tours sit at the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on group sizes, ticket prices and how many tours you run. Winter and off-season gaps in demand are common, so consider indoor or seasonal options.

Check your municipality and province for tour guide or business licence rules, and any permits for parks or heritage sites. Also check insurance, including whether your insurer wants a tour policy, and provincial consumer protection rules before taking advance payments.