Born in Manitoba but raised in Ontario since infancy, Steve McAllister’s heart belongs to the natural world. An avid fisherman for most of his life, he’s spent countless hours by lakes and rivers, immersed in their calm. In his teens, Steve discovered birding, a passion that has defined his life ever since. From local trails to international expeditions, he’s explored vibrant ecosystems with his son, chasing rare species in Arizona, Texas, and Colombia.

Frequent visits to Florida fuel his stunning water bird paintings, capturing their grace and beauty. Now living in Essex County, Ontario, just minutes from Point Pelee—his favorite birding spot since his teens—Steve frequently visits this iconic park for hiking, kayaking, and observing its rich avian life. Moving from the GTA in 2018 was the best decision his family ever made, trading chaos for serenity.

Steve’s love for nature shaped his family’s life. He and his wife took their kids camping multiple times each year to places like Algonquin Park, Presqu’ile, and Emily Provincial Park, instilling an early appreciation for the wilderness. Each fall, Steve returns to Algonquin for a week of camping and fishing, recharging in its rugged beauty.

Beyond Canada, Steve and his wife traveled regularly with their kids to the Caribbean, Mexico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Scotland, England, Wales, and more, believing it was vital for them to see how people live differently compared to Canada. Now grown, both children carry a love for global travel, exploring the world with the same curiosity.

Steve’s passion for sketching and painting shines in his artwork, primarily realistic depictions of birds and animals, though he’s recently embraced surrealism to create imaginative, thought-provoking pieces. In the tranquil surroundings of Essex County, Steve finds endless inspiration for his art and his lifelong adventures in nature.