Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2024 42 Touring California's Ontario From history to art to diverse dining BY CAROLYN B. HELLER I n 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 Holly- wood, 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 passen- gers 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, com- mercial 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 WHERE TO STAY Local accommodations include Aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, Ayres Suites Ontario Mills Mall - Rancho Cuca- monga, and Four Points by Sheraton Ontario - Rancho Cucamonga.

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