Canada issues urgent new warning for travellers headed to Mexico

Canadian travellers with upcoming trips to Mexico should be aware of the latest warning that could affect their vacation plans.

On Sunday, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for Mexico, urging tourists to avoid non-essential travel to certain regions due to the potentially destructive Hurricane Polo.

Travellers should avoid travelling to Baja California Sur, from the border with Baja California state south to the area between San Evaristo and El Conejo, as well as the northwestern coast of mainland Mexico, from Bahía de Kino to Topolobampo.

“Hurricane Polo is expected to sweep across Baja California Sur, from the border with Baja California state south to the area between San Evaristo and El Conejo, on Sept. 28, 2026,” the update states. “The storm is expected to reach the northwestern coast of mainland Mexico, from Bahía de Kino to Topolobampo, on Sept. 29.”

These areas could be hit with violent winds and heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash flooding and landslides that could disrupt essential services. Transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, and access to medical care could also be impacted.

But if you’re already in the affected area, be cautious, stay up to date with local news and weather reports, and follow instructions from local authorities.

On Monday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Polo is still a major hurricane as it approaches the Baja California Peninsula. It’s considered a category three hurricane with winds near 185km/hour and higher wind gusts.

“Life-threatening winds and flash floods expected over portions of Baja California Sur and Sonora today and Tuesday,” reads the advisory.

Storms can develop quickly into major hurricanes that could cause serious safety risks. Tourists travelling to affected areas during hurricane season should be prepared to cancel or cut their trip short at short notice. Always make sure that you have your airline or tour operator’s emergency contact information.

Hurricane season in Mexico runs from mid-May to the end of November in the Pacific, and from early June to the end of November in the Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico.