Fishing boats, ferries, and container ships are just a few of the vessels you might see passing in Steveston along the Fraser River.

These are also some of the different personal watercraft that Steveston resident Leighton Matthews took to photograph and share on his recently launched Twitter account. @StevestonShips.

The launch of the account “made sense,” he said, given his fascination with ships, his love of photography and his proximity to water.

“When I see all the ships, from ferries to container ships to fishing boats, I see trade and I see this vital part of the economy, as well as the waterways that have provided jobs for people. doing all kinds of things, ”he said. .

Matthews also uses a vessel finder app to track vessel routes, which he says adds additional perspective to “how incredibly connected we are to this system, this supply chain.”

He said he hoped there were people out there who “just enjoy nice pictures” or want to “have fun” about ships with him.

Matthews said he was drawn to BC Ferries growing up, which set him on the right path to becoming interested in boats and ships.

Although he had lived in Steveston for 16 years, it wasn’t until he moved to a place “right on the water” in the Imperial Landing area that he really noticed the amount of water. ‘activity along the river and started “taking pictures like crazy”, venturing out daily (weather permitting).

“There is such a variety of navigation and interesting craft of all kinds. I mean, we see everything from paddle board borders to jet skis to sailboats, to fishing boats – which of course is at the heart of why Steveston exists – to freight ferries and BC Ferries going up and down. come down the river, ”Matthews said.

There are also the “huge, skyscraper-sized” container ships that fill your view, he said.

One of the best places to watch ships go by is the Fisherman’s Needle monument at Garry Point Park, Matthews said.

At the docks near Imperial Landing, people can watch fishing or search and rescue boats come and go.

Although Matthews has said he would always have a soft spot for BC Ferries, the ship he really wants to see next is a carol ship in Steveston Harbor around Christmas time.