Ontario Canada Travel Guide

Ontario is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the region commonly called the Inland Empire. It sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains and shares its name with the Canadian province, a legacy of early Canadian settlers who platted the city in the 1880s.

The city grew rapidly through the late 20th century, driven by logistics, manufacturing, and its international airport. Today Ontario functions primarily as a regional commercial and transportation hub, with a modest historic downtown area, large outlet shopping, and straightforward access to mountain recreation to the north and desert landscapes to the east.

Most visitors to Ontario are passing through — either via Ontario International Airport or as a base for exploring the wider region — rather than spending extended time in the city itself. That said, the downtown core around Euclid Avenue retains some historic character, and the city offers practical, often more affordable amenities than its Los Angeles neighbors to the west.

Ontario is in the United States, so entry requirements depend on your nationality. For visa and entry information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) before you travel.

Climate

Ontario has a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C) and can spike higher during heat waves. The area sits in an inland basin that can trap smog, so air quality varies — check local air quality indices if you have respiratory concerns. Winter days are typically clear and pleasant, with cold nights.

What to Pack

• Light, breathable clothing in summer; layers for winter evenings
• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) year-round
• A car or ride-share app — the city is built for driving
• Water bottle; staying hydrated in the dry climate is important

By Air

Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the city directly and is a practical alternative to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for travelers headed to the Inland Empire. It handles a range of domestic routes and select international flights. Verify current routes and airlines on the airport's official website, as service changes frequently.

By Car

Ontario is accessible via major freeways, including Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway) and Interstate 15. From downtown Los Angeles the drive is roughly 35–45 miles, though traffic on the I-10 corridor can extend travel time significantly during peak hours.

By Train

Metrolink commuter rail connects Ontario to Los Angeles Union Station and other Inland Empire cities. Amtrak's Sunset Limited and Southwest Chief routes also stop in nearby San Bernardino. Verify current schedules and fares at metrolinktrains.com and amtrak.com.

A personal vehicle or ride-share service is the most practical way to get around Ontario. The city's layout is suburban and grid-based, designed around car use, and distances between attractions, shopping, and dining are generally not walkable.

Omnitrans operates local bus service throughout the San Bernardino Valley, including routes through Ontario. It connects to Metrolink stations and neighboring cities. Schedules and fares are available at omnitrans.org — verify current information before your trip.

For those arriving by air, rental car counters are available at Ontario International Airport. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout the city and are a reliable option for airport transfers and short trips.

Ontario Museum of History & Art

The city's local history museum explores the agricultural and cultural heritage of the Ontario region, including its founding by Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey in the 1880s. Verify current hours and admission on the museum's official website before visiting.

Graber Olive House

One of the oldest olive canneries in California, the Graber Olive House has been operating since 1894. It offers tours during harvest season (typically fall) and sells its products on-site. Confirm tour availability and seasonal hours directly with the facility.

Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park

A county park offering a small lake, swimming areas, picnic facilities, and recreational activities. It's a practical spot for families and those looking for outdoor relaxation near the city. Check San Bernardino County Parks for current fees and hours.

Day Trips to the San Bernardino Mountains

The mountain communities of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake are roughly 45–75 minutes by car from Ontario and offer hiking, skiing (in season), and lakeside recreation — a notable contrast to the flat valley below.

Ontario Mills Mall

A large outlet and value retail mall that draws regional shoppers. While primarily a shopping destination, it's also where many visitors spend time given its entertainment and dining options.

Ontario's dining scene reflects its diverse, working-class Inland Empire population. Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine is well represented throughout the city, from family-run taquerias to larger sit-down restaurants. You'll also find a broad range of American chain restaurants, particularly near Ontario Mills and the airport corridor.

The Euclid Avenue and downtown area has a modest concentration of independent restaurants and is worth exploring if you prefer local options over chains. Nearby Rancho Cucamonga, just to the north, has a slightly more developed dining and wine scene, including a handful of local wineries in what was historically Cucamonga wine country — one of California's oldest wine-producing regions.

As with any suburban Southern California city, the food landscape is spread out and exploring by car is generally necessary. Local food blogs and review platforms will give the most current recommendations, as individual restaurants open and close frequently.

Ontario Mills is the dominant shopping destination — a very large enclosed outlet mall with a wide range of retailers, a movie theater, and dining. It is easily accessible off the I-10 and I-15 interchange and serves a broad regional customer base.

Beyond the mall, Ontario has standard suburban retail corridors with big-box stores and strip malls. For more independent or specialty shopping, neighboring cities such as Upland, Claremont, or Pomona offer different retail environments worth exploring.

Emergency Services

In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance.

Health

Ontario has hospitals and urgent care clinics serving the area. Travelers with specific medical needs should research facilities in advance and ensure their travel insurance covers U.S. medical costs, which can be substantial.

Connectivity

Cell service (all major U.S. carriers) is reliable throughout the city. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport and in many hotels and restaurants.

Tipping

Tipping is standard practice in the United States. Restaurants typically expect 18–20% of the pre-tax bill; hotel housekeeping, taxi/ride-share drivers, and other service workers also customarily receive tips.

Electricity

Standard U.S. outlets: 120V, 60Hz, Type A and B plugs.

Ontario is a generally safe city for travelers using standard urban precautions. As with any city, be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid leaving items visible in parked cars — vehicle break-ins are a noted issue across Southern California broadly.

The summer heat presents a genuine safety concern. Temperatures can be dangerous during heat waves; stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

For current local safety conditions, consult the Ontario Police Department's public communications.