Ontario is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the western part of the Inland Empire, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of over 175,000, it is the third-most populous city in San Bernardino County and one of the most important logistics and transportation hubs in the United States. The city is home to Ontario International Airport — the 8th-busiest airport in the country by cargo — and handles the mass of freight traffic between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and the rest of the nation.
The Ontario Model Colony
Ontario was founded in 1882 as the Ontario Model Colony by Canadian engineer George Chaffey and his brothers William and Charles. They named the settlement after their home province of Ontario, Canada. The Chaffeys designed the city with wide streets, irrigation systems, and a planned community layout that was ahead of its time. The city was incorporated on December 10, 1891, and grew as an agricultural center known for its citrus groves and vineyards.
The Chaffey High School, one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire, is named after the city’s founders. The school’s historic campus and its iconic clock tower are landmarks of the community.
Ontario International Airport and Logistics
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is one of the most important airports on the West Coast. It is the 8th-busiest airport in the United States by cargo volume, handling millions of tons of freight annually. The airport serves as a major gateway for cargo between the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and destinations across the country. It also serves passenger flights to destinations across the United States, Mexico, and Asia.
The city’s strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 has made it a major logistics and distribution center. Ontario is home to massive warehouses and fulfillment centers for companies like Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, and UPS. The city’s logistics sector employs tens of thousands of workers and is a key link in the national supply chain.
Retail and Entertainment
Ontario is home to the Ontario Mills, one of the largest outlet shopping centers in the Western United States. The mall features over 200 stores, a movie theater, and an indoor entertainment complex with a trampoline park and bowling alley. The mall draws shoppers from across the Inland Empire and beyond.
The Toyota Arena, a 11,000-seat multi-purpose arena, hosts concerts, sporting events, and family shows. The arena is home to the Ontario Reign, an American Hockey League team affiliated with the Los Angeles Kings.
Community and Growth
Ontario has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, with the population increasing from just over 88,000 in 1990 to over 175,000 today. The city’s motto — “Southern California’s Next Urban Center” — reflects its ambition and trajectory. New residential developments, commercial centers, and infrastructure improvements continue to transform the city.
The city has a diverse population, with a large Hispanic community alongside significant White, Asian, and Black populations. The Ontario Convention Center hosts events year-round, and the city’s parks and community centers provide recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Climate and Geography
Ontario sits at 1,004 feet above sea level in the Inland Empire, just east of the Los Angeles County line. Summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winters are mild, with occasional frost. The city covers 50 square miles and enjoys over 270 days of sunshine per year. The San Gabriel Mountains are visible to the north, and the Chino Valley stretches to the east.
From a Canadian engineer’s model colony in 1882 to a major logistics hub and growing urban center, Ontario’s story is one of vision, ambition, and strategic location — a city that has always been about connecting people and goods across Southern California and beyond.
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