Blaine & Patricia Pouliot. West Coasters. Entrepreneurs. Own Vancouver Island's only ATV adventure company, West Coast Edge.
Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? What brought you to Port Alberni?
Patricia Pouliot, 35 years old. Born and raised in Port Alberni. Lived abroad in Switzerland for 10 months where I worked for a family that owned and operated a store that specialized in everything from Swiss Army knives to medieval swords.
Blain Pouliot, 38 years old. Born and raised in Port Alberni. Moved to Edmonton when I was 10, Kamloops at 12. After high school I returned home to Port Alberni.
What do you do? What makes your work unique?
We offer guided quad and side by side (ATV) tours in and around the Alberni Valley. What we offer is unique as we are the only company on Vancouver Island that showcases the stunning and rare beauty of the backcountry by land. We are also more than just a quad touring company as we now offer one of the most private and remote accommodations available that combines our adventure tours with outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and fishing opportunities.
We can accommodate up to 10 guest at a time on tour and customize our tours to guests’ levels of experience and requests. We do corporate retreats, and private tours that include stag/stagettes, anniversaries, birthdays and family get togethers. Tell us what you are looking for and we will do our best to customize each tour.
Describe the challenges you’ve faced with your business, as well as the opportunities.
Some of the challenges we have faced being the only company to do this is the fact that people don't know that this adventure is available here. Our island is known for fishing and whale watching and we have had to break into the tourism industry with a niche experience!
The positive side is that ATV tours are offered in many other places around the globe and people are looking for this type of activity on their vacations. Our guests have told us that we have some of the best riding terrain in the world!
Why should people try West Coast Edge?
People should definitely try a tour with us because you will leave with a truly enjoyable and memorable experience that is rated as a five star experience on Trip Advisor, the world's largest travelers review site. It gives people the opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature at its finest. If you have never been ATVing before we provide all guests a safety and equipment orientation so that everyone feels confident in their abilities prior to heading out. Safety is our number one goal!
What is Alberni to you?... An outdoor paradise! It has always been about the forest here and now more than ever people want to experience it. The Alberni Valley offers a unique opportunity that you simply cannot get anywhere else!
