As the coordinating body for the region’s UNESCO Biosphere designation, the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative works to foster harmony between people and nature. They serve as the primary link between global biosphere standards and local action across the Sound. One of their core missions is ecological monitoring, with community-based science programs that track key environmental indicators, from salmon runs to shoreline erosion.

BC Marine Trails makes coastal British Columbia accessible to self-propelled travellers by building and maintaining a network of interconnected campsites and landing zones, most notably the Sea to Sky Marine Trail from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish. These sites are created in collaboration with Indigenous communities and local partners, with signage, bear caches, and basic facilities that keep paddlers safe while reducing environmental impact. Beyond hands-on stewardship, the organization provides maps, site reports, and planning tools that are indispensable for kayakers, offering reliable information that supports safe and respectful exploration of BC’s coast.

RCMSAR is a volunteer-led marine search and rescue organization that operates along the coast of British Columbia. Their crews are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to marine emergencies that range from capsized kayaks to sinking vessels or medical evacuations. In Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, their stations in Horseshoe Bay, Gibsons, and Squamish are vital lifelines in an area where tides, weather, and limited road access make rescue a challenge.