Tourism Nova Scotia offers a range of resources and services to support tourism operators who want to start, expand, enhance or market an accommodation business. Click through the links below to find information to help you reach your business goals.
Tourist Accommodations Registration
All accommodation operators, including those operating in or attached to their primary residence, are required to register with the Province of Nova Scotia.
Campgrounds are not required to register unless they offer a fixed-roof accommodation on the property (geodomes, yurts, cottages, bunk house, motel, hotel, etc.). If that is the case, those accommodations must be registered.
Learn more and register your accommodation
Short-term rental platforms also must register if they facilitate the rental of tourist accommodations in Nova Scotia.
Short-term rental platforms facilitate or broker online reservations for roofed tourist accommodations on behalf of a tourist accommodation operator or host. They get paid when a traveller makes a reservation.
Learn more and register your short-term rental platform
Registration Support
- If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your registration, you can contact Service Nova Scotia technical support at 902-424-5200 or toll-free at 1-800-670-4357 in Nova Scotia or email onlinehelp@novascotia.ca.
- For inquiries about the regulations, please email STAadmin@novascotia.ca.
Best Practices for Operating an Accommodation Business
Below are things that should be considered when operating an accommodation business in Nova Scotia. The Province of Nova Scotia’s online business planning tool can help you determine any requirements for your specific business.
Development Permit | Zoning Approval:
Fixed-roof and campground accommodation operators should consult with your local municipal office about requirements for development permits and/or zoning approval. An occupancy permit and other permits may be required.
Find contact information for municipalities.
Further information is available through the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Water System:
Consult with the Department of Environment to determine if septic/sewer and water supply systems require approval.
Fire Safety:
There are mandatory fire safety requirements for fixed-roof and campground accommodations. For details, contact the municipal fire/building inspector or deputy fire marshal in your region.
Registry of Joint Stock Companies:
Most business in Nova Scotia are required to register with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. We suggest that you review the Registry of Joint Stock Companies before selecting your business name to ensure that no one else is already using the name.
Food Service:
If you plan to operate any type of food service, permits must be obtained. Click here for more information.
Alcohol Service:
Licenses/permits are required if you plan to serve or provide alcohol in any capacity. Click here for more information.
Commercial Tax:
Depending on the type of accommodation business you are operating, your property may be assessed for commercial tax. Contact your municipality for further information.
Harmonized Sales Tax:
You may need to collect, file, and remit sales tax (HST). Contact the Canada Revenue Agency for more information.
Signage:
If you want to erect a sign for your business, you will need approval from the landowner and your municipality. You may also be eligible to apply for Business Logo signage on the 100-series highways.
See Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal for details.
Permanent Residence Status:
In order to operate a business in Nova Scotia, you must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Nova Scotia Immigration for more information.
Workers’ Compensation:
You may be required to register and pay premiums to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) if you plan to hire employees to work at your accommodation. Contact WCB for more information.
Occupational Health and Safety:
As an employer, you will also have responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Human Rights Act:
All accommodation operators and their staff should be familiar with the Human Rights Act and other related information available from the Human Rights Commission.
Occupancy Reporting:
To be eligible to participate in Tourism Nova Scotia’s programs and marketing channels, all fixed-roof and campground accommodation operators must submit monthly occupancy reports. Learn why these statistics are important, how to obtain reports, and how to submit occupancy data here.
Resources for Accommodation Businesses
Tourism Research
Tourism Nova Scotia conducts and shares research on travel trends, visitor profiles, and tourism performance indicators to help our organization and tourism stakeholders make informed business decisions.
Read the Nova Scotia Accommodations Needs Assessment
Tourism Business Tools and Resources
Tourism Nova Scotia offers business coaching and advice, guides, and toolkits to help you start or enhance your business.
See Business Tools & Resources
Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC)
NSTHRC leads initiatives to develop a skilled tourism workforce in Nova Scotia and provides training and professional development opportunities.
Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS)
TIANS is the industry advocacy association of Nova Scotia, and offers a variety of programs and resources to support industry development.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
ACOA offers programs and services to help businesses get started, innovate, and become more competitive.
See ACOA Programs and Services
Canada Business Network
Canada Business Network can provide a wide range of business information to help you with business planning and navigating government regulations, programs and services.
Connect with Canada Business Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Business Navigators
Business Navigators can give you personalized and timely help with regulations and requirements, including registration, permits and licences.
Demonstrating Quality
In a competitive global tourism industry, it is essential to provide visitors with exceptional experiences that exceed their expectations. Tourism Nova Scotia is focused on working with tourism operators to elevate quality and showcase the best of what Nova Scotia has to offer.
Our business development team can provide coaching and advice to help you enhance the quality of your business to help you attract visitors and grow repeat visitation.
Research shows peer reviews are a top source of inspiration for travellers, and are the new standard used by the travelling public to assess quality. We strongly recommend you manage your business profiles on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google Business, and encourage your guests to post reviews to help give other potential customers more confidence in choosing your business. A link to a peer review site is a requirement for business listings on Tourism Nova Scotia’s marketing channels.
You may also want to participate in a quality assessment program. To participate, please contact the individual programs below:
• Canada Select and Camping Select - Ronald van der Weegen, (902) 406-4747
• Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) - Corey Dalling, (905) 607-7555
Get Inspired
Across the province, operators are developing unique accommodations that help set Nova Scotia apart as a vacation destination. Click through the success stories below from new or recently expanded accommodations. See what sets them apart, what motivates the operators to be part of the tourism industry, and what advice they have for excelling in the accommodation sector.
12 Mine Road Golf Chalet, Inverness
A high-end accommodation for golfers overlooking Cabot Links, one of the world’s premier golf courses
Dockside Suites, Digby
Modern, oceanside, luxury accommodations at a reasonable price, with easy access to the amazing culinary delights and experiences of the Bay of Fundy
Kluskap Ridge RV and Campground, Englishtown
Authentic, family-friendly activities and Mi’kmaq cultural experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
Water Sprite B&B, Lunenburg
Luxury adult-only bed & breakfast in historic Lunenburg; #1 traveller ranked B&B in Nova Scotia on
Quarterdeck Beachside Villas & Grill, Summerville
Luxury accommodations and a fine-dining restaurant located in beautiful Summerville Beach Provincial Park.
Trout Point Lodge, Kemptville
High-end culinary and outdoor experiences in a luxurious, unique wilderness retreat, Certified Starlight
Vicar’s View, Baddeck
Offering unique and convenient amenities for active lifestyle travellers.
Get Promoted
When you’re ready to start welcoming visitors, you can work with Tourism Nova Scotia to promote your business to national and international travellers through our marketing channels, including the Doers & Dreamers Guide, NovaScotia.com and provincial visitor information centres.
Get Advice
If you have further questions about starting or operating an accommodation business, please contact:
Nick Fry
Manager of Business Development
nick.fry@novascotia.ca
Guide to Starting and Operating an Accommodation Business
If you’re just getting started or looking to expand your business, a great first step would be to review our Guide to Starting and Operating an Accommodation Business. The guide is full of practical information to help you work towards your vision for your business.