Business licence

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Did you know a business licence is required for anyone wishing to conduct business activities in Bruce Peninsula National Park or Fathom Five National Marine Park? Examples of business activities include (but are not limited to):

  • bus and van transportation providers
  • guided tours or nature hikes (including not-for-profit)
  • tour boat excursions
  • photography or art workshops and yoga retreats

Please review the application process below and allow sufficient time for processing of your application.

All new applicants are encouraged to meet with Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park staff so we can learn about your plans and provide feedback before proceeding with a licence application.

What you need to know about your licence:

  • A separate licence is required for Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park
  • The licence is valid until March 31 of the following year and commences the day after fee payment
  • The licence must be renewed yearly; failure to comply with park rules and regulations may result in suspension or cancellation of licence
  • Businesses are required to possess commercial general liability insurance for a minimum of two million ($2,000,000 CDN) per incident. These are minimum insurance limit requirements and the Licensee is responsible for deciding if additional insurance coverage is necessary to fulfill its obligations under the agreement and to ensure compliance with any applicable law
  • Licensees do not need to be insured at the time an application is submitted. However, if the application is approved, proof of insurance must be provided before a license is granted
  • Businesses must follow all park rules and regulation including the Canada National Parks Act
  • A Business Licence does not include Park admission for business licence holders or their clients. Learn more about admission for commercial operators
  • Parking availability is not guaranteed with the licence, the business will still be subject to first-come, first-served parking at locations and/or require parking reservations at the Grotto and Halfway Log Dump. Learn more about commercial vehicle access

Business licensees will be required to meet the following conditions:

  • Licensees will have access to the park during regular hours
  • Business licensees must pay the fee prior to their first day of on-site sales
  • The licensee will abide by all rules and recommendations by municipal, provincial and federal health authorities related to COVID-19. These are subject to change
  • Licensees are responsible for their own promotion, and will not be reimbursed for lost revenue

Rules and regulations

Examples of General Parks Canada Regulations that apply to businesses and their clients:
  1. All wildlife attractants including food/garbage and fuel/oil products will be stored in such a way that they are not accessible to wildlife
  2. Do not approach, chase or harass wild animals
  3. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times
  4. Locations used and the surrounding area must be kept clean and tidy at all times
  5. Un-manned aerial vehicle flights (i.e., drones) are not permitted
  6. Parks Canada ‘key messages’ (contained in Schedule B of licence) must be shared with customers

Note that there are more specific stipulations for operating in Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park contained in the licence. 

For more about Parks Canada’s business licencing requirements please contact the park:

Bruce Peninsula National Park 

Standard business licence application
Replacement business licence application (for businesses with licence from the previous year that have no changes to operations – note situations listed in the licence that may require you to complete an application form)

Emergency response plan (required for all new licence applications)

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Standard business licence application
Replacement business licence application (for businesses with licence from the previous year that have no changes to operations – note situations listed in the licence that may require you to complete an application form)

Emergency response plan (required for all new licence applications)

Related links

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