Local Walking Tour Guide

Tourists, visiting friends and family, cruise and conference visitors, and local groups such as schools or corporate teams.

Price per person for scheduled tours, a flat rate for private groups, and sometimes tips. Bookings come through your own website and booking platforms.

• Storytelling and public speaking
• Knowing your area's history and culture
• Friendly, confident with strangers

• Commercial general liability insurance, which many booking platforms and venues expect
• Check with your municipality about business licences and any rules on commercial tours in parks, heritage sites or on public streets
• Some provinces and cities have tour guide rules or permits, so check locally
• Winter weather and seasonal demand, so plan indoor or shorter winter tours
• Collect GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your route, insurance and promotion. Commercial general liability insurance is something many booking platforms and venues expect.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many tours you run and how many places you sell. Winter weather and seasonal demand can affect this, so consider indoor or shorter tours.

Check with your municipality about business licences and any rules on commercial tours in parks, heritage sites or public streets. Some provinces and cities have guide rules or permits. Also check liability insurance and GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold.