Let the chants be heard and the jigs be seen! It’s almost St. Paddy’s Day and you better believe Whistler has you covered. Find out what you need to know and where you need to be to have the best Whistler St. Patrick’s Day.

History: The Origins of the Feast Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration in Ireland to commemorate Saint Patrick, and it is also known as the Feast of Patrick. As the day falls during the period of Lent, a Christian season of fasting and preparation for Easter, restrictions on eating and drinking are specially lifted, granting all a pass to party and indulge. So given the privilege to celebrate during this time, it would be rude not to party too, right?

Go Green: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style

Dig through your suitcase or closet for something green to wear. Hint; not visibly wearing something green can result in getting yourself pinched. Wear green socks under your pants – pinched. Knee high green socks over your pants – good to go! We recommend a green shirt and hat to avoid as many pinching opportunities as possible. But don’t stop there, swing by the Gibbons Hub in the Westin Whistler in the village to pick up some fun shirts to make your St. Patricks Day outfit complete.

Fuel Your Day: Traditional Foods of the Emerald Isle

Sausage, bacon, fried eggs, beans and potatoes are breakfast staples in Ireland, so go to breakfast hungry! Don’t skip the chance to try the Black Pudding at the Dubh Linn Gate, an Irish specialty. If you can’t stomach a big hearty breakfast, Lucky Charms is an acceptable alternative. When it comes to dinner order a Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew or at least something with potatoes or cabbage in it to keep with the traditional Irish food theme.

Cheers: Classic Drinks to Help You Celebrate

It’s going to be a long day of just this, drinking. Start it off with an Irish Coffee (Irish Whiskey in your coffee) or order a
coffee and Baileys combo. Other acceptable Irish drinks include:

• Guinness: The iconic smooth, dark beer.
• Irish Whiskey: Uisce Beatha is the Gaelic term for whiskey and translates to “water of life”. Irish Whiskey brands include Black Bush, Bushmills, Jameson, Paddy, Powers, and Tullamore Dew.
• Ciders: Magners Irish Cider, also branded as Bulmers Cider.
• Poitin: Made from barley or potatoes, it’s the Irish equivalent of Moonshine. Banned in 1661 because of its high potency, you can find still something comparable if you dare. Bunratty Irish Potcheen is a third of the original Poitin’s strength, but is more than enough to knock you off your feet!
• Green Beer: While it is more of a North American Irish tradition, it’s definitely a fun one!

Talk the Talk: Useful Irish Terms

While we don’t recommend trying to speak in an Irish accident if you don’t naturally have one, this tip might help you understand the authentic accents out there. Irish often sound out their vowels loudly, example: How are you? = “ha-ware-ya?”

Relative St. Patricks Day Irish terms that you might understand as the day goes on include:

• Craic: Fun, enjoyment, general banter and good times had by all.  Also, a person who is good fun or great company.
• Ossified: Very drunk.
• The Fear/The Beer Blues or Drinkers Remorse: hung over.
• Wrecked: Very tired, most likely how you’ll feel after St. Patrick’s Day.
• Sláinte: The Irish version of Cheers!

We’re definitely not encouraging you to tell these pretty cheesy Irish jokes, after a couple of beverages you might just want to.

• Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day? Regular rocks are too heavy.
• What type of bow cannot be tied? A rainbow!
• Where can you always find gold? In the dictionary.

Are you heading up the Sea-to-Sky for a Whistler St. Patrick’s Day to remember?  Let our team help you plan the ultimate day, night or even weekend of celebrations. With all the insider tips on Whistler, our team can plan your next unforgettable experience. Call 1 (888) 823-7932 or email [email protected]