www.theyale.com

One of the oldest buildings in the area, circa 1889, The Yale Hotel has always had a reputation for wild nightlife and while The Establishment back then considered this neighborhood to be on the wrong side of the tracks, today’s it’s very much at the edge of a renaissance. For almost two decades, the Yale is the focal point for the blues in Western Canada and you’ll see many a legendary bluesman, as well as new talent like John Lee Hooker, Jeff Healey and Jim Byrnes. Open seven days a week with jam sessions on Sundays 3-7 p.m. The area is still somewhat seedy but the bar is large, packed, lively and well worth the visit if you want to sing and dance the blues. Cover charge varies depending on act.