Banff: Nightlife

Aurora Multi-room Aurora ropes the under-30 set in for energetic live sets (usually hard rock), happy hour specials, casual games, theme nights with DJs spinning 80s, funk, and electro, even the occasional strip show (for charity). 110 Banff Ave.; 403-760-5300; www.aurorabanff.com
budget | trendy | dancing | lounge | cover charge | open late | bar | live music | billiards | rock music | electronica | private party space

Grapes Tucked away inside the Fairmont Banff Springs, this elegant yet intimate little wine bar is decorated with woodcarvings, faux stonework and brass chandeliers. 405 Spray Ave.; 403-762-2211; www.fairmont.com/banffsprings
romantic | smart splurge | expensive | notable wine list | hotel bar | hidden find | people-watching

Hoodoo Lounge Barely legal, psychedelic Hoodoo Lounge reels em’ in for live music, DJ dance nights (beats, break, house, electro trash) and drinks specials. Plasma TVs entertain sports buffs. 137 Banff Ave.; 403-760-8636; www.hoodoolounge.com
budget | dancing | lounge | cover charge | open late | live music | bar menu | billiards | rock music | electronica | college bar

Lik Lounge Lik caters to the designer martini crowd, with one of Banff’s better selection of single malts and microbrews. Come for Live at the Lik Thursdays when things heat up to jazz, blues and flamenco acts. 221 Bear St.; 403-762-2467; www.saltliksteakhouse.com
jazz | moderate | trendy | live music | bar menu | house music | martini bar

Pump and Tap Tavern Tucked away in the lower level of the Sundance Mall, this lures would-be emo musicians and hockey players alike for very cheap drinks, good beer selection, great juke, and video games. 215 Banff Ave.; 403-760-6610
budget | sports | local favorite | hidden find | happy hour | billiards | pub | dive bar | juke box | college bar

Rose and Crown This rollicking upstairs pub spotlights live bands nightly playing anything from funk and reggae to blues. Liberal happy hours and specials wash down fillers like Jamaican jerk salad and shepherd’s pie. 202 Banff Ave.; 403-762-2121; www.roseandcrown.ca
budget | dancing | open late | live music | sports | local favorite | bar menu | karaoke | happy hour | billiards | rock music | pub

Wild Bill’s Though bands run the musical gamut, this huge neon-decked buckin’ saloon proves that Canada has a l’il bit of country (Stetsons optional during calf-roping). The Tex-Mex food is mouth-watering. 201 Banff Ave., 2nd fl.; 403-762-0333; www.wbsaloon.com
budget | dancing | live music | sports | local favorite | bar menu | karaoke | billiards | private party space | country music