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Touring California’s Ontario
From history to art to diverse dining
By Carolyn B. Heller
In the late 1800s, Canadian brothers George and William B. Chaffey, from Brockville, Ontario, established a new city in California. They named it “Ontario” after their home province, creating an irrigation system, an agricultural college and a central boulevard for the community.
Today, the Greater Ontario region (known as GOCAL) is a gateway to Southern California where you get easy access to gems like Hollywood, Temecula Wine Country, Joshua Tree National Park, and yes, even Disneyland and Universal Studios. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, fine crafts or dining, GOCAL is an easy-to-reach destination.
Follow the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail
In the 1920s, the world’s largest interurban electric railway ran through Greater Ontario. The Pacific Electric Railway shuttled passengers into Los Angeles and carried freight for the region’s citrus industry. After the railway ceased operations in the 1980s, one of the rail routes was eventually developed into a multi-use recreational path: the Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail.
You can explore Greater Ontario car-free along the Pacific Electric Trail, which extends more than 30 kilometres between the towns of Claremont and Rialto. As you walk, run or cycle this former rail route, you’ll pass through residential neighbourhoods, commercial corridors and urban parks.
Tour the Home of a Woodworking Legend
Another Ontario-area landmark is an artistic one. Sam Maloof (1916–2009), born to Lebanese immigrant parents in Chino, California, became known as an inventive woodworker and a leading figure in California’s modern art furniture movement. Several U.S. presidents commissioned Maloof’s signature rocking chair, with its narrow spindles and elegant curves.
The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation now manages the former home of the artist and his wife, Alfreda, a custom-designed redwood structure listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Take a docent-led tour of this heritage property to learn more about the Maloofs and their legacy, the architecture of the house, which Maloof began building in the 1950s, and the artist’s finely crafted furniture.
Eat Around the World
With its large Hispanic community, the Greater Ontario region is an excellent place to sample both traditional and creative Mexican cuisine.
Gloria’s Cocina Mexicana uses farm-fresh vegetables and naturally raised meats and seafoods in their classic dishes, from guacamole made to order, to the signature molcajetes, stone bowls brimming with shrimp, chicken, sausage, roasted cactus and more, all in a piquant salsa. Seafood lovers have more options, including ceviche tostadas, marlin tacos, and fish prepared al mojo de ajo (in garlic sauce) or à la Veracruzana (in a medium-spicy tomato sauce).
With locations in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, Juanita’s III serves substantial burritos stuffed with chile verde, carne asada, grilled chicken or other meats, plus tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. Another specialty is the “Big Nachos,” heaped with beans, shredded cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, olives, sour cream and the meat of your choice.
You can travel farther afield with a meal at Rancho Cucamonga’s Haven City Market, where the diverse vendors include the Cajun-fusion Shrimp Shack, Jojo’s Kitchen Taiwan Eats, Mike Henry’s BBQ, Beleaf plant-based café, and Bushi by Jinya, specializing in Japanese ramen, hand rolls and crispy chicken karaage.
If classic morning fare is more your style, head for the Iron Skillet in Ontario, for all-day breakfast. Dig into old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes, or a design-your-own breakfast skillet. The Iron Skillet has also created a dish named for the region’s nearby airfield. Their plate of eggs, French toast, pancakes, bacon, ham, sausage, and hash browns or home fries is dubbed the “Ontario Airport”—an excellent meal to start or end your GOCAL travels.
Where to Stay
Local accommodations include Aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, Ayres Suites Ontario Mills Mall – Rancho Cucamonga, and Four Points by Sheraton Ontario – Rancho Cucamonga.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Built to connect Chicago with Los Angeles, historic Route 66—often called “the Mother Road”—opened in 1926. The California section of the route extends 315 miles and takes you through Greater Ontario. GOCAL marks this local automotive connection with the Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion, an annual classic car show. Expect big celebrations in 2026 to honour the roadway’s 100th anniversary.
Travel Planner
For more travel information about GOCAL, visit GO-CAL.org
