Small whitewater rafting outfit

Tourists, school and youth groups, corporate team-building organizers, stag and birthday groups, and local adventure seekers.

A price per person per trip, with extras like photo packages, lunches, private group bookings and corporate rates. Revenue is concentrated in the warm-weather season.

• Strong river and swiftwater knowledge
• Leading and keeping groups safe
• Customer service and booking management
• Physical fitness

• Adventure tourism rules differ by province, so check what operating permits, river access rights or safety standards apply (for example in BC, Ontario and Quebec)
• Commercial liability insurance for rafting can be expensive and some insurers will not cover new operators, so get quotes first
• Guide certification and safety standards, check which your province or insurer expects
• WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire guides, rules vary by province
• River levels, weather and short seasons can cancel trips and make income uneven
• Keep a written emergency plan, equipment maintenance logs and signed waivers

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the number of rafts, safety kit and your riverside base. Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on season and group bookings. Short seasons can make income uneven.

Check which operating permits, river access rights or safety standards apply in your province, such as BC, Ontario and Quebec. Also check which guide certification your province or insurer expects, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire guides.

Commercial liability insurance for rafting can be expensive and some insurers will not cover new operators, so get quotes first. Also keep a written emergency plan, equipment maintenance logs and signed waivers.