On a pond

Grouse Mountain, Vancouver, B.C.

A tram swoops you up to 3,700 feet for rinkside views of the Coast Range and Vancouver city lights.

The scene: Bundled families come for Grouse Mountain's "Peak of Christmas" celebration (through Dec 24) with sleigh rides, holiday movies, and Santa.

The inside scoop: Poutine (fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy) is served up hot and with a panoramic view at the Peak Chalet, just steps off the ice.

Through late Mar; grousemountain.com/ice-skating