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Like any major sporty resort town, Banff offers its share of rowdy pubs, intimate après-ski hangouts, and small venues attracting regional musicians and, occasionally, international DJs.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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