It is part of the new Banff nightclub establishment, this one room dance bar and live music pub from he owners of ever-hip Aurora nightclub. Unlike the pubs of yesterday, HooDoo is entirely free of ancient refrigerator-size TVs and neon beer lights. Instead, the interior bar is Rocky Mountain chic with stacked-stone walls and sleek leather furnishings arranged around a central lounge with elevated platform for smaller rock quartets and the occasional shirtless bartender contest. Throughout the year are hosted DJ events with music ranging from pop and hip-hop to alternative and rock. The crowd is young and energetic with a huge following of local residents and ski workers that spend their last drinking dollars till the wee hours of the morning. While the bar is more rowdy and fun than glitzy and glam, it shows the best that Banff has to offer once the sun goes down and sexy locals hit the town.
Tips
Arrive after 9pm during the week and 11pm on weekend for the best crowds. Lines are rarely an issue unless arriving after 12am on popular theme nights.
Last Word
Local dance bar offers pop deejays and monthly theme nights for Banff’s wilder set of local singles.
