Travel agencies are regulated by province in Canada. What Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia require, and the federal tax registration to plan for.
1. The travel market in Canada
Most new agencies in Canada focus on outbound leisure & custom tours. Decide early whether you will sell to travellers in Canada, design trips in Canada for visitors and foreign agents, or both: the answer shapes your licence, suppliers and marketing.
Clients will expect quotations in CAD or their own currency, fast replies, and clear terms before they pay.
2. Licences and registration
Canada regulates travel sellers at provincial level. In Ontario, travel retailers and wholesalers selling from a location in Ontario must register with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) under the Travel Industry Act, 2002; TICO's requirements include education and experience standards, a designated trust account and a security deposit. Selling travel from Ontario without registration contravenes the Act.
In Quebec, a travel agent licence from the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) is mandatory, and licensed agents provide a surety; clients of licensed agents are covered by the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents. In British Columbia, Consumer Protection BC licenses travel agents and wholesalers. Check your province's rules if you operate elsewhere.
3. Company, tax and banking
Register your business provincially, and register for GST/HST with the Canada Revenue Agency if you meet the threshold.
4. Set up sales and operations
Before the first enquiry arrives, decide how you will capture leads, build quotations, confirm suppliers, invoice and collect payments. For your market, plan these workflows from day one:
5. Launch checklist
Tick these off before you take your first payment in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register with TICO?
Yes, if you sell travel services from a location in Ontario as a retailer or wholesaler. TICO administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 for the Ontario government.
Is a travel licence required everywhere in Canada?
No. Licensing is provincial. Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have travel-specific regimes; check the rules in the province where you operate.
Sources
Official pages this guide is based on, checked on 11 October 2026. Rules and fees change: confirm the current requirements with the authority before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.