Ontario is a gateway to the Treasure Valley, where you can discover sunbaked deserts, rugged canyons and towering peaks. The city is set on the Snake River and combines a lively downtown core with easy access to parks and recreation areas. Year-round sunshine makes Ontario a true all-season destination.
Things to do in Ontario
Shop, dine and enjoy Beaver State hospitality in Downtown Ontario. Railroad-era buildings line the bustling Oregon Street and lend historic charm to the neighbourhood. Instead of big box brands, you’ll see mom-and-pop businesses housed in the shopfronts. Kickstart your morning with a cup of locally roasted coffee and wind up a day of adventure at the craft brewery. Farm-to-table restaurants serve locally grown ingredients like hazelnuts, wild foraged mushrooms and black truffles.
Learn about the unique heritage of Malheur County at the Four Rivers Cultural Centre & Museum. Exhibits cover the different cultures that have shaped the county over the centuries, from Native American tribes to European settlers.
The Snake River isn’t the only waterway that meanders through the Treasure Valley. The Malheur, Owyhee and Payette Rivers also shape the unique landscapes and ecosystems. Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in the Owyhee Canyonlands. The enormous area covers more than 80,000 hectares and is home to bighorn sheep, coyotes, wild horses, rattlesnakes and other desert animals. You can find hikes for every age and fitness level, from family-friendly loop trails to challenging out-and-back routes.
Swim, sunbathe and picnic at the Ontario State Recreation Site. Set on the banks of the Snake River, the park features grassy areas shaded by cottonwoods and junipers. Watch deer grazing on the shoreline and spot birds like blue herons and Canada geese.
Getting around Ontario
Downtown Ontario is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Malheur County, a one-hour drive from Boise, Idaho. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Ontario and explore Malheur County and the Treasure Valley at your own pace. Boise Airport is a one-hour drive away.