"Spotting a Ship on the Horizon Never Fades"

One day many years ago as editor of TI Life, I needed a photograph of a ship.

When? Immediately.

What to do? Ask Richard Haydon.

I did just that, since Richard and I had grown up as children in a tiny community west of Montreal, at the widening of the St. Lawrence River known as Lac St. Louis. I had recognized his photographs on several Facebook pages, and I knew that he spent many hours at the Beauharnois Locks, spotting ships on the horizon.

As the 2025 Seaway season opened on March 22nd, I contacted Richard to tell us about how he got interested and if he would share his passion with us. His photographs along with 85,000 of like-minded photographers are featured on Facebook - and like our own Thousand Islands Life Ship Watchers they never cease to provide us with pictures and memories of the Seaway and all its glory.

"Richard, How did you get started?"

My fascination with ships began in childhood, growing up in Woodlands (now Léry), Quebec, just steps from the water. My parents had purchased a small house near the shores of Lake St. Louis, which quickly became my playground. Summers were filled with swimming, fishing, and boating, while winters meant skating and skiing across its frozen surface. The lake was more than just a backdrop to my childhood—it was the foundation of a lifelong passion.

My first real experience with boats came when I got my own—a small rowboat powered by a 3-horsepower Johnson Verchere outboard motor. It wasn’t much, but to me, it represented freedom.* With each trip, I ventured farther beyond the islands, drawn to the massive cargo ships that occasionally passed through. Back then, there was no Marine Traffic App or website to track their movements. It was all about being in the right place at the right time, scanning the horizon, and hoping to catch sight of one of those steel giants.

The unpredictability made the experience even more thrilling. On a good day, I might spot one or two, their engines rumbling, their decks bustling with unseen activity.

The year I turned 12, everything changed—the St. Lawrence Seaway officially opened. Suddenly, my small world was connected to the vastness of global trade. Watching these massive ships glide through the water, knowing they had come from ports across the world, fuelled my fascination. I memorized ship names, studied their designs, and dreamed of the far-off places they had visited.

When I got my driver’s license, my passion expanded beyond the lake. Now, I could travel to nearby ports and locks, catching a closer glimpse of the shipping industry. By this time, I was hooked. I bought my first secondhand camera from a neighbour, determined to document every ship that I saw. That camera was just the beginning—I upgraded whenever I could, refining my photography skills to capture the beauty and power of these vessels.

Ship Junkies (Lakes, Locks & Rivers)

The Facebook group Ship Junkies (Lakes, Locks & Rivers) was founded by Jane Anderson. Today's administrators are Helen Cooper and Amy Daggett.

For over a decade, I’ve been proudly sharing my ship photography in ship enthusiast groups on Facebook. Among them, Ship Junkies (Lakes, Locks & Rivers) stands out as one of the most vibrant and engaging. Founded by the visionary Jane Anderson in January 2021, and now led by three extraordinary women, this group has become the gold standard for maritime enthusiasts. I’m honoured to be one of the first ten founding members of what I firmly believe, is the most active and passionate community of its kind. Here, it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a thriving network of ship lovers who celebrate maritime history, engineering marvels, and the thrill of adventure.

Now that I’m retired, my love for ships remains as strong as ever. From March to January, I’m out as often as possible, camera in hand, chasing the perfect shot. I frequent locations like Kahnawake, QC, Beauharnois (Lock #3), and occasionally make my way to Cote Ste. Catherine (Lock #2). Each outing brings a new story—a rare vessel, a stunning sunset backdrop, or an unexpected encounter with fellow enthusiasts.

The call of the water, the power of these ships, and the stories they carry—it’s a passion that has defined my life. And even after all these years, the thrill of spotting a ship on the horizon never fades.

By Richard Haydon, Ville de Léry, QC

Richard Haydon lives in Ville de Léry, QC. now retired but had a
career in finance. He is an avid shipwatcher and proud grandfather of
four grandchildren

*Editor's note: I am sure I have photos of Richard and his little boat in one of my albums - I also have photos of his brothers and his sister. We not only grew up in the summer together but his family were my immediate neighbours from 1965-1980s. Friendships made on the River - in the Islands or elsewhere - last forever.

Header Photo by Richard Haydon captures Kamenitza, which was the first
ship to make its way upriver to the Thousand Islands and beyond, on March 22, 2025.

More Richard Haydon photographs celebrating the St. Lawrence Seaway traffic.

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