Canadians Urged to Keep Low Profile Amid Mexico Violence

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The federal government has instructed Canadians in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to remain indoors as violence spreads across parts of Jalisco state.

Global Affairs Canada issued updated travel advice after armed groups set up roadblocks and burned vehicles in several cities, including Puerto Vallarta. Officials confirmed that a shelter-in-place order remains in effect and that taxi and rideshare services have stopped operating.

A Sudden Turn for Travellers

For many Canadian tourists, Sunday began like any other vacation day. Some gathered early to watch a major hockey game between Canada and the United States. By afternoon, their plans changed dramatically.

Resorts began sending alerts advising guests to stay on the property due to police activity in the city. Smoke rose from different areas, visible from hotels and beaches north of Puerto Vallarta.

Travellers scheduled to fly home soon discovered that flights had been cancelled. The airport shut down, leaving many stranded. Hotel lobbies filled with guests trying to extend reservations or find new accommodations.

Roads and beaches grew quiet as visitors followed official guidance to remain where they were.

Witness Accounts Describe Chaos

Pat Silver from East Toronto, who spends part of the year in the nearby resort community of Nuevo Vallarta, said the city has never experienced such unrest.

“People have been told not to open their doors for anyone, even those claiming to be police,” she said. “All businesses are shut down today and probably tomorrow. We’ve been told to make sure to charge our devices and conserve water as the cartels could target infrastructure.”

Toronto resident Lisa Morden described seeing fires and hearing gunshots from her accommodation.

“I got up early, like most Canadians, to watch the hockey game and I noticed a big bellow of black smoke,” she wrote. “We then heard a plethora of gun shots, like a sustained shootout, complete with explosions.”

She called the situation “pretty scary.”

Ryan Voutilainen, who planned to return to British Columbia, said he saw vehicles set on fire and people pushing cars into intersections before igniting them.

“You don’t know what they’re going to do,” he said, describing the situation as “a very chaotic and fast-moving situation currently down here.”

Flights Cancelled, Tourists Stranded

WestJet confirmed it diverted seven flights heading to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled 37 flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. Eleven flights from Calgary faced disruption.

The airline activated flexible change policies and arranged extended stays for travellers already in the region.

Air Canada and Porter also suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta.

Passengers in hotels reported crowded lobbies as guests attempted to rebook flights during peak travel season.

Government Response

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Canada is “deeply alarmed” and closely monitoring what she described as a “serious and rapidly evolving” security situation.

Canadian officials remain in contact with local authorities and are prepared to offer consular assistance.

Global Affairs Canada advised Canadians to keep a “low profile,” monitor local news and follow instructions from authorities.

More than 18,000 Canadians are currently registered as being in Mexico, including about 4,600 in Jalisco state.

Cartel Leader Killed

The unrest followed a military operation in Jalisco that led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

After the raid, armed groups blocked highways and set vehicles and businesses on fire across several states.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and said federal and state governments are working together to manage the situation.

For now, travellers remain inside hotels and vacation properties, waiting for flights to resume and for stability to return.