Ontario is a city in Southern California’s Inland Empire, located in San Bernardino County at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The city occupies a landscape that has been shaped by agriculture, residential development, and transportation infrastructure, with the mountains providing a prominent backdrop to the north. Ontario is home to Ontario International Airport and a major commercial district centered around Ontario Mills. Its location at the intersection of major highways and rail routes has helped make it an important transportation and logistics center within the Inland Empire.

Ontario’s history is connected to the Tongva and other Indigenous peoples who lived throughout the inland valleys of Southern California before European settlement. The city was later established by Canadian settlers who promoted irrigation and agriculture, transforming the area into a productive farming community. Citrus orchards became particularly important, and the city’s name reflects the Canadian province associated with its founders. The Ontario Museum of History and Art preserves aspects of this agricultural and community heritage, while historic neighborhoods and buildings provide further reminders of the city’s earlier development.

The city contains several parks and cultural attractions, while the surrounding Inland Empire provides access to the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountain ranges. Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park offers lakes, picnic areas, trails, and recreational facilities within the urban area. The Ontario Museum of History and Art presents exhibitions focused on regional history, culture, and contemporary art. Nearby Mount Baldy and the Angeles National Forest provide opportunities for hiking, mountain recreation, and wildlife observation. Ontario’s airport and extensive transportation network are also notable features, reflecting the city’s important role in regional commerce and travel.

Ontario’s food culture reflects the diversity of the Inland Empire, with Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean, and American cuisines represented throughout the city. The area’s agricultural history remains visible through local citrus heritage and the broader farming traditions of the inland valleys. Shopping and dining at Ontario Mills form another major part of the city’s contemporary economy, while the airport brings visitors and businesses from across the region. A distinctive feature of Ontario is the way its agricultural origins coexist with modern logistics, aviation, retail, and residential development, illustrating the broader transformation of Southern California’s inland communities.