Ontario, CA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transportation
- Sport and Athletic Legacy
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Healthcare Institutions
Ontario is a city in San Bernardino County, California, founded in 1881 as a planned agricultural colony and named after the Canadian province by its founders.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Ontario (formally the City of Ontario).
- Administrative Role: Ontario is a general law city incorporated on December 10, 1891 . It operates under a City Council / City Manager form of government. It is the third most populous city in San Bernardino County, but it is not the county seat .
- Country and Region: The city is located in the U.S. state of California, within San Bernardino County. It is situated in the western part of the Inland Empire metropolitan area, which is itself part of the Greater Los Angeles Area . The Inland Empire is known as a major logistics and warehousing hub, largely due to its transportation infrastructure.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Founding Name: The city was named Ontario by its founders, the Chaffey brothers, in honor of their home province in Canada .
- Nickname: The city is officially nicknamed "Southern California's Next Urban Center" . It has also been referred to as the "Gateway to Southern California" . Historically, the original development was promoted as the "Model Colony" .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year of Foundation: The settlement was established in 1881 by the Canadian-born engineer George Chaffey and his brother William . The city was incorporated a decade later.
- Incorporation Date: December 10, 1891 .
- Current Age: As of 2026, the city is 145 years old (founded 1881) and has been incorporated for 135 years.
- Founder: The city was founded by brothers George Chaffey and William Chaffey . They are renowned for their expertise in developing irrigation colonies.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographical Coordinates: 34°03′10″N 117°37′40″W .
- Location: Ontario is located in the southwestern part of San Bernardino County. It lies approximately 35 miles (56 km) east of downtown Los Angeles and 23 miles (37 km) west of downtown San Bernardino . The city sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Elevation: The city's elevation is 1,004 ft (306 m) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Ontario is a major transportation and logistics hub, a growing commercial center, and a key city within the Inland Empire. Its economy is heavily driven by:
- Logistics and Warehousing: The city handles a massive volume of freight traffic, serving as a crucial distribution point for goods arriving at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach .
- Aviation: It is home to Ontario International Airport (ONT) , a major cargo and passenger airport .
- Business and Industry: The city promotes itself as an "economic engine" with a pro-business environment and a skilled workforce . Historically, it was a center for agriculture, particularly citrus .
Population and Demographics
- Population: At the 2020 Census, the city had a population of 175,265 .
- Size Class: Ontario is a large city. It ranks as the 3rd largest in San Bernardino County, the 26th largest in California, and the 149th largest in the United States .
- Demographic Features: It is a diverse and growing city within the rapidly expanding Inland Empire region .
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Ontario is a key logistics and transportation hub in Southern California, serving as the gateway for goods moving from the ports of Los Angeles to the rest of the country. While not a traditional tourist destination, it is a vital commercial center, home to a major international airport and a growing urban core.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- Ontario Peak: This prominent peak, with an elevation of 8,696 feet, is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness of the Angeles National Forest . It is named after the city of Ontario . The peak offers sweeping views of the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days, and is a popular destination for experienced hikers .
- Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy): Known colloquially as "Mount Baldy," this is the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains. The Chaffey brothers acquired the water rights to this mountain, which was essential for their irrigation plans for the new colony . It dominates the skyline north of the city.
Water Objects
- Cucamonga Creek: An important natural watercourse in the region. The historical water rights to creeks flowing from Mount San Antonio were crucial for the development of the Ontario colony .
- Icehouse Canyon: Located in the Angeles National Forest, this canyon features a creek that meanders alongside the popular hiking trail leading to Ontario Peak . It is known for its sugar pine forest and large boulders.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Ontario has a semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk) , bordering on a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) . It is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city enjoys a high amount of sunshine throughout the year.
Average Temperatures by Month
Based on data for the nearby Los Angeles area, which has a similar climate pattern:
- Hottest Months: July, August, and September, with average daily highs reaching 83-84°F (28-29°C) .
- Coldest Month: December, with an average daily high of 67°F (19°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C) .
- Summer: June to September are consistently warm, with July and August seeing average lows around 66°F (19°C) .
- Winter: December through February are mild, with average high temperatures around 67-68°F (19-20°C) and lows rarely dipping below 48°F (9°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainy Season: The vast majority of precipitation occurs during the winter months.
- Wettest Months: December through February are the wettest, with average rainfall totals around 2.1 to 3.3 inches per month .
- Driest Months: June through September are extremely dry, with average rainfall often measuring 0.0 to 0.2 inches per month .
- Rainfall Days: December and January typically see the highest number of days with precipitation (around 5 days), while summer months average less than 1 day of rain .
Seasonal Nature and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ontario is during the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortably warm.
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are pleasant and warming. March sees highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C), while May warms to 74°F (23°C) . This is an excellent time for outdoor activities before the summer heat arrives.
- Summer (June-August): Characterized by consistent heat and virtually no rain. Average highs are in the low-to-mid 80s°F (upper 20s°C) . While not as extreme as desert cities, it can be very warm, making it ideal for poolside activities or enjoying air-conditioned venues.
- Fall (September-November): Remains warm in September with highs of 83°F (28°C), before cooling down significantly by November to highs of 72°F (22°C) . This is another pleasant period for travel.
- Winter (December-February): Mild and the wettest time of year. Highs are in the upper 60s°F (around 19-20°C) . It's a good time to visit for those looking to escape colder climates, though rain is more likely.
Landmarks
[Chaffey Fountain / Frankish Fountain]
- Name: The original "Chaffey Fountain" was a simple spigot with a stone ring. It was later replaced by the more ornate Frankish Fountain (often referred to by locals simply as the historic fountain).
- Sculptor/Year: The original fountain dates back to the 1880s. The current art nouveau Frankish Fountain was installed later and is now located outside the Ontario Museum of History and Art .
- Dedication/Significance: The original fountain was a powerful symbol created by the Chaffey brothers to impress visitors and potential settlers with the "abundance" of water in their new Model Colony. It was famously turned on only when passenger trains approached the station and turned off after their departure to conserve water .
- Location: Ontario Museum of History and Art.
- Interesting Fact: This fountain represents the very essence of the city's founding as an irrigation colony and the clever marketing used to promote it.
[Ontario Museum of History and Art]
- Name: Ontario Museum of History and Art.
- Architect/Year: It is housed in the city's old City Hall, a building with historical significance .
- Significance: The museum maintains a collection of about 25,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, and archival materials that tell the story of Ontario's development from a Native American homeland (Tovaangar) to a modern city . The building itself is a historic landmark.
[Euclid Avenue]
- Name: Euclid Avenue (California State Route 83).
- Description: This is the main thoroughfare created by the Chaffey brothers as part of their original plan for the Model Colony. It is distinctive for its very wide lanes and a long, grassy median .
- Historical Significance: It was designed to be a grand boulevard. From 1887 to 1895, a mule-drawn passenger tramway operated on the central reservation, run by the Ontario and San Antonio Heights Railroad Company . This avenue is a living monument to the city's planned origins.
[Graber Olive House]
- Name: Graber Olive House.
- Year: Established in 1894 .
- Significance: It is now the longest operating olive packing business in the United States . It stands as a living vestige of the citrus and olive era that was vital to Ontario's early agricultural economy and connection to the "Model Colony" concept.
Transportation
Main Airports of the City and Region
- Full Name: Ontario International Airport (ONT).
- IATA Code: ONT .
- Distance from City Center: The airport is located within the city limits, approximately 3-4 miles southeast of downtown, at 1923 E. Avion Street .
- Overview: ONT is a full-service airport and a major cargo hub, ranking as the 15th-busiest airport in the U.S. by cargo carried . It handles a massive volume of freight traffic between the ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach and the rest of the country. It is also a growing passenger airport, recently named "California's most popular airport" by J.D. Power .
- Destinations: It offers non-stop commercial jet service to over two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan . It is a focus city for Southwest Airlines, which operates a significant number of flights from ONT .
Main Railway Stations
- Amtrak Station: Ontario has an Amtrak passenger platform located at 198 E. Emporia Street, providing intercity rail service .
- Metrolink Station (East Ontario): The city is served by the East Ontario Metrolink station at 3330 E. Francis Street . This provides commuter rail service connecting Ontario to Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties, making it a key part of the regional transportation network.
System of Public Transport
- Bus Service: The local and regional bus service is provided by Omnitrans, which can be contacted at (800) 966-6428 or (909) 379-7100 . It connects Ontario to other cities in the San Bernardino Valley.
- Major Highways: Ontario is a major crossroads, situated near the junction of several key freeways, including the Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) and Interstate 15 (Ontario Freeway). This central location is critical to its role as a logistics hub.
Sport and Athletic Legacy
Ontario is rapidly transforming into a major hub for professional sports and entertainment in Southern California, anchored by a state-of-the-art arena and an ambitious new sports district.
The city's premier venue is Toyota Arena (formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena), a multi-purpose arena that opened in 2008 . With a capacity of up to 11,089 for concerts, it serves as the home for several professional teams. It is the current home of the Ontario Reign, the primary American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, who have played there since 2015 . The arena also hosts the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League, the top minor-league affiliate of the LA Clippers, and the Ontario Fury of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) . Toyota Arena is a central hub for major entertainment, having hosted world-famous acts like Metallica, Carrie Underwood, Cher, and Katy Perry, as well as major WWE events and championship boxing matches featuring fighters like Chris Arreola and Robert Guerrero .
Looking ahead, Ontario is on the cusp of a major expansion with the development of the Ontario Sports Empire. Unveiled by the city, this 200-acre sports and entertainment district will be the largest of its kind in Southern California . Its centerpiece is a new 6,500-capacity Minor League Baseball stadium, set to open in April 2026 as the future home of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Single-A affiliate . The ambitious project will also include a massive community sports complex with eight baseball/softball diamonds, eight soccer fields, and a 227-room hotel, anticipating over 1.2 million visitors annually .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While the city of Ontario, California, itself is not detailed in the provided search results as hosting a major university campus, the broader region of Ontario, Canada, is home to several significant institutions of higher learning. These are included here for their relevance to the "Ontario, CA" context, which can sometimes lead to information about the Canadian province.
In Ontario, Canada, students have access to a wide array of public colleges and universities. The province boasts 28 public colleges and 18 universities . For international students, applying to these institutions is facilitated through centralized services like the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) for universities and ontariocolleges.ca for colleges .
A notable institution is Laurentian University, located in Sudbury, Ontario. It has grown into an international leader in specialized fields such as mining engineering, environmental remediation, and particle astrophysics . Laurentian is distinguished by its small class sizes (an 18:1 student/professor ratio), a 95% post-graduation employment rate—the highest among Ontario universities—and its status as a bilingual institution offering over 40 programs in both English and French . Its campus is uniquely situated on 765 acres surrounded by five lakes and a boreal forest.
Another key institution is the University of Toronto, Mississauga campus (UTM) , which offers a full range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs alongside highly sought-after degree options . Peel Region, which includes Mississauga, is also home to Sheridan College and Algoma University in Brampton, which offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While specific culinary traditions of the city of Ontario, California, are not highlighted in the provided information, the broader region of Ontario, Canada, offers a vibrant and diverse food scene that reflects its multicultural population.
A prime example is the "Follow the Flavours" culinary discovery trail in Windsor Essex, which celebrates the region's cultural diversity through food . This self-guided trail highlights over 25 businesses offering a world of cuisines, including Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, German, African, Caribbean, and Mexican dishes . The initiative encourages visitors to connect with local businesses and learn the stories behind dishes like dumplings, birria tacos, and shawarma, showcasing how food serves as a gateway to understanding cultural heritage .
Indigenous culinary traditions are also a vital part of Ontario's gastronomic landscape. Special dining events, such as "A Great Taste of Canada Experience," have been held at historic sites like Navy Hall in Niagara-on-the-Lake . These immersive experiences, led by renowned Indigenous chefs, feature multi-course menus with locally sourced ingredients like bison braised with juniper, alongside Indigenous soups and breads . The events emphasize storytelling, highlighting the cultural significance of ingredients and traditional foodways, and offer profound insight into Indigenous food culture and connection to the land .
Museums
The search results point to significant museums in the Canadian province of Ontario, which are notable for their focus on Canadian art and culture.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, located in Vaughan, Ontario, is a major public gallery solely dedicated to exhibiting Canadian art . Situated on 100 acres of forested land, its permanent collection comprises over 6,500 artworks by iconic figures such as Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, and their contemporaries, as well as substantial holdings of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and contemporary Canadian artists . The gallery itself is an architectural point of interest, with its original building dating back to 1954 and subsequent additions .
Another key institution is the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, which is among the world's few museums focused exclusively on ceramics . With a collection of over 4,000 objects spanning from the Ancient Americas to Europe and Japan, it also champions contemporary Canadian ceramic artists . The museum engages audiences with exhibitions, hands-on classes, and programs built around the creative and communal inspiration of clay .
Healthcare Institutions
Information on healthcare institutions specifically within the city limits of Ontario, California, was not found in the provided search results. However, the data does include a significant health network in Ontario, Canada.
Quinte Health is a comprehensive hospital system serving the Quinte West, Belleville, and Prince Edward County areas of Ontario . It operates four hospitals—Belleville General, North Hastings, Prince Edward County Memorial, and Trenton Memorial—with over 335 inpatient beds . The network provides a full range of services, including four emergency departments, operating rooms, intensive care, obstetrics, pediatrics, mental health services, and a rehabilitation day hospital . Quinte Health operates 24/7 for emergency and inpatient care and is part of the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, with most services covered by a valid Ontario Health Card .