Shakes Glacier is a dramatic outlet glacier originating from the massive Stikine Icefield, terminating directly into the tranquil waters of Shakes Lake. Towering granite peaks—often streaming with dozens of snowmelt waterfalls—surround the lake basin.

As the glacier calves, massive icebergs fill the freshwater lake, where they are pushed gently toward the outlet slough by mountain breezes. Visiting by jet boat allows travelers to glide through a labyrinth of sculptured ice, view cascading hanging glaciers on sheer rock faces, and observe mountain goats picking their way across high alpine crags.

Because Shakes Lake is an inland freshwater body rather than a saltwater fjord, the icebergs exhibit unique weathering patterns, creating arches, spires, and crystal-clear freshwater ice ponds atop the floating floes.

The transition from the fast-flowing Stikine River through the quiet willow-lined slough and into this amphitheater of blue ice is one of the most stunning wilderness passages in North America.