Sitka Wonders receives New Business of the Year from the Sitka Chamber of Commerce, honoring its wildlife film and tour experiences in Sitka, Alaska.
Sitka Sound at sunset with Mt. Edgecumbe reflected in still water. Photographed in late August.
From Ben
Our wildlife tours are designed to connect you with the incredible wonders of Sitka, Alaska. We have half day and full day boat tours, an award winning wildlife film experience and multi-day private trips for those seeking deep connection. We can't wait to meet you and hope you pack your sense of wonder!
Sitka, Alaska — Sitka Wonders has been named New Business of the Year by the Sitka Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented Saturday evening at the Chamber’s annual awards gala held at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where a full crowd gathered to recognize community leaders, nonprofit organizations, emerging leaders, and local businesses contributing to Sitka’s future.
Sitka Wonders was honored alongside recipients including Sitka Travel (Business of the Year), Friends of the Sitka Animal Shelter (Community Heroes), Ben Hughey (Emerging Leader of the Year), and Rob Allen, who received the Chamber’s highest honor for public service, the Cossack Cap.
Sitka Wonders began with the production of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders, a 40-minute wildlife documentary filmed entirely in and around Sitka, Alaska.
Created over multiple years through collaboration with local scientists, divers, and conservation partners, the film explores the interconnected ecosystems of Sitka Sound and the outer coast of Baranof Island.
After its first season of local screenings in downtown Sitka, the project expanded into small-group wildlife tours and immersive multi-day journeys designed to help visitors experience this place more deeply.
During the award presentation, Chamber board member Jaylene Owen noted that Sitka Wonders has become a top-rated experience for visitors, showcasing Sitka’s natural world while contributing to the local tourism economy.
From the beginning, Sitka Wonders has worked in close partnership with organizations deeply invested in Southeast Alaska.
Collaborators include:
These partnerships ensure that both the film and on-the-water experiences remain grounded in science, stewardship, and respect for the ecosystems being shared.
The Chamber’s recognition also reflects the collective effort behind Sitka Wonders.
Staff members including Pamala Johnson, Chas Isenhart, and Katina Hamilton worked throughout the summer to deliver a high-quality experience for viewers and guests.
The film itself was brought to life by a dedicated team, including:
The Chamber’s annual gala, themed “A Night in the Emerald City,” celebrated businesses and individuals working to strengthen Sitka’s economy and community life. Despite heavy snowfall earlier in the day, Centennial Hall was filled with residents and business leaders honoring local contributions.
The recognition of Sitka Wonders reflects the support of the broader Sitka community and the collaborative effort behind the film and its related experiences.
The recognition belongs not just to a business, but to a community that continues to protect and share this remarkable place.
Today, Sitka Wonders operates as a Sitka-based wildlife film and small-group expedition company offering wildlife boat tours, photography workshops, immersive multi-day Alaska journeys, and ongoing screenings of Sitka’s Hidden Wonders.
As Sitka continues tofinish grow as a cruise port and independent travel destination, Sitka Wonders remains committed to connecting people to Sitka’s wild heart in a meaningful and sustainable way that supports this place and community.
To learn more about Sitka Wonders and its experiences in Sitka, Alaska, visit:
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