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photo: Courtesy St. James's Gate Irish Pub

Insider’s Luxury Guide to Banff: Winding Up

Beyond the comfort of the wood-paneled whiskey bars at the top hotels, Banff’s best bets after dark are pubs and a Western saloon, where locally crafted beers and ales are the order of the day — or night. St. James’s Gate Irish Pub (403/762-9355) has antique Irish fixtures, live Irish or classic rock music, and — more to the point — 26 beers on tap, 50 single-malt scotches, and eight Irish whiskeys. The Elk & Oarsman (403/762-4616) is favored by the locals for its many beers on tap and giant TVs featuring sports competitions, which make for a crazy atmosphere, especially during hockey games. In addition to a full bar and hearty eats, Wild Bill’s Legendary Saloon (403/762-0333) caters to a fun-loving crowd with live country and rock bands, karaoke, line dancing, and even calf roping.