Tourists from northern Ontario stranded in Mexico after cartel violence

Visitors in Puerto Vallarta reported gunfire and fires after violence tied to the reported killing of a cartel leader; Global Affairs Canada advised Canadians in Mexico to shelter in place and said local officials expect conditions to normalize in the coming days.

Canadians visiting Puerto Vallarta reported a sudden outbreak of violence this week after news of the reported killing of a drug cartel leader. Some visitors described hearing gunfire and seeing fires near their lodgings, and one condo owner warned residents to stay inside. Global Affairs Canada said about 26,000 Canadians are registered in Mexico and advised those there to shelter in place. Local officials said they expect the situation to normalize in the coming days. What is known: - Tourists in Puerto Vallarta reported gunfire and nearby fires following the reported killing of a cartel leader. - About 26,000 Canadians are registered with Global Affairs Canada as being in Mexico. - Global Affairs Canada advised Canadians in Mexico to shelter in place, and local officials said they expect conditions to normalize in the coming days. - Several airlines cancelled flights to and from some Mexican destinations, leaving travel plans uncertain for some visitors. Summary: The incidents caused disruption for visitors and left some Canadians uncertain about return travel. Officials have advised sheltering in place and indicated they expect normalization in the coming days. Undetermined at this time whether and when scheduled flights will resume full service.