How do I find a tourism business for sale in Canada?

A tourism business may be small, local and seasonal, so it may not appear where a buyer expects. A tour operator, a boat tour or a small attraction may be listed publicly, passed along by word of mouth or sold to someone the owner already knows. A search that uses several channels at once will turn up more than one that relies on a single site.

Listings and alerts

Start with business-for-sale listings, and search several terms: tour company, tour operator, boat tour, attraction, outfitter. Owners describe the same business in different words. Set alerts so that new listings reach you quickly. For a related example of finding a seasonal retail business, see how to find a gift shop for sale in Canada. Brokers who work in resort towns may also know of owners before a listing goes up.

Associations, destination groups and suppliers

Regional tourism associations and destination marketing groups know who runs what in their area, and who is tired. Introduce yourself, say what kind of operation you want and ask to be remembered. Suppliers and booking partners hear things too: the dock operator, the hotel concierge, the equipment dealer. A short, courteous message to people who work next to these businesses can lead to an introduction.

Timing and quiet sellers

Some owners decide to sell after the season ends, when they have time to think and the numbers for the year are fresh. Searching in the off-season puts you in front of them at the right moment, and it gives you time to see the business operate the next season if the seller agrees. An owner in a small seasonal town may want to sell quietly, so staff, guests and competitors do not hear. Expect to sign a confidentiality agreement before you see details.

Before you narrow the list

• Decide whether you want a business that runs on a boat, a bus, on foot or at a fixed site.
• Decide how much of the owner’s role you can fill yourself.
• Decide what you can ask a lender and your accountant to look at.