Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Sitka? Step inside Sitka’s natural world through the lens of Award–winning filmmaker Ben Hamilton. Sitka’s Hidden Wonders is a 40-minute wildlife documentary filmed entirely in and around Sitka — capturing whales, bears, puffins, plankton, and other natural marvels that even locals rarely see.
Presented in our downtown Coliseum Movie Theatre, this all-weather experience is designed to fit perfectly between tours, meals, or shopping. Before or after the screening, guests can explore a collection of Ben’s wildlife prints and local artwork — and when he’s available, you’ll also have the chance to meet him in person for a quick chat or Q&A about the film and the wild places that inspired it.
Whether you’re arriving from a cruise ship or just exploring downtown, this is a rare chance to see Sitka in a way few ever do: up close, untamed, and unforgettable.
Step off the beaten path and into a 40-minute cinematic journey through Sitka’s untamed coast. Created by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Ben Hamilton, Sitka’s Hidden Wonders goes beyond whales and bears—revealing glowing plankton, secretive seabirds, and the hidden connections that shape this remote ecosystem. Filmed over a decade, entirely in Sitka, the film captures rare wildlife moments most visitors—and even locals—never see. It’s more than a nature documentary; it’s a deeper look at how this wild place works. Screenings are held daily at the historic Coliseum Theater, just a short walk from the Centennial Hall bus drop-off. Meet the filmmaker before the film and stay after for a brief Q&A. Perfect for cruise guests, nature lovers, and curious travelers—rain or shine.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Look for the blue ticket booth outside the Coliseum Theatre to check in for the show.