‘It’s a very surreal experience.”
That’s from Prince George resident Dawn Zemoura who is in Puerto Vallarta right now amid the shelter in place order due to the conflict between Mexican Authorities and the drug cartel.
Zemoura who flew into the resort community Saturday night from YXS and told MyPGNow.com she was watching the men’s hockey gold medal game when the unrest started to erupt.
Despite the tensions, this won’t deter her from coming back.
“We left quickly but there was no buses, taxis or ride share happening and so we quickly walked back to our resort and as soon as we came out of the little restaurant we were in, a bomb exploded nearby. I didn’t get a picture of that but we were focused on getting back to our resort.”
“I have travelled a lot. I am very seasoned traveller as I have been to 35 or 36 countries and this is not the first time I have faced something similar to this. It’s a little bit closer than I would like as we were within a half a block away from an explosion and that is plenty close enough.”
Zemoura feels the worst for the resort workers and their families who are caught in the crossfire.
“All of the resort workers in my resort slept on the beach chairs. All of the workers have been here for more than 24 hours, they have slept on beach chairs, they are probably wearing the same clothes and they are out here acting like nothing ever happened, meanwhile, their families are at home.”
“They are the ones who are really suffering. We are continuing on with everything but other people that are having problems are ones who have rented an Airbnb as well as the people in apartments and such who rely on restaurants or grocery stores for their food sources.”
Multiple Canadian airlines have cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta as a result.
Mexico Travel Update
Flexchange Policy: https://t.co/XP2ADzggGhFlight status: https://t.co/YsnKCEQvc7
Politique flexible en matière de modification et d’annulation: https://t.co/ilYOMQ2eU0
État des vols: https://t.co/Dx4o8uD5gL pic.twitter.com/xMjzBwdWlo
— WestJet (@WestJet) February 23, 2026
(1/2) The security situation in Puerto Vallarta is ongoing, and local authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order. Air Canada flights to and from PVR will be cancelled tomorrow.
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 23, 2026
Some flights are expected to resume tomorrow (Tuesday).
On Monday afternoon, the Prince George Airport issued the following statement:
We are aware of recent developments in Puerto Vallarta and understand that situations like this create concern for travellers and their families. Our thoughts are with those in the region and with members of our community who may be directly impacted. We are encouraging everyone with questions or concerns regarding passengers who have already travelled to Mexico to contact WestJet directly, for the most up to date information. Guests with upcoming plans are encouraged to check directly with WestJet for the most current flight information and travel advisories. Travellers may also wish to review the Mexico travel advisory issued by Global Affairs Canda for additional guidance.
The safety and security of passengers and airport personnel remain the highest priority across the aviation network.
YXS restored the seasonal sun destination service to Puerto Vallarta in July of 2023.
Over 70 people have been killed, including members of the National Guard and cartel operatives, after the death of “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says over 8,000 Canadians in Mexico have contacted Global Affairs in the last day, pushing the number registered to over 26,000.
Lastly, Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty took to social media offering several other contacts to those who may be stranded.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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