TORONTO — Baja California brought a wave of warmth and vibrant Mexican spirit to a sold-out dinner event in the Distillery District in downtown Toronto.

Their main motivation? To connect with the Canadian market and establish Baja California as a must-visit destination for Canadian travellers.

With cooler temperatures fast approaching and Mexican destinations already leading the pack for Canadian travellers, Baja California could soon have its moment in the sun.

“Mexico is not only a popular destination for Canadians, but there is also a strong friendship between our countries,” said Vivian Salazar, Director of the Baja California Tourism Board. “We still have much to learn about the Canadian market,” she told Travelweek.

This visit marked the tourism official’s first visit to Canada, and Salazar noted that they also made a stop in Vancouver. She promised that more visits would be coming in future.

Meanwhile, the evening gave travel advisors the opportunity to learn about the Mexican state and to engage in one-on-one conversations with the Baja team.

A STATE WITH SURPRISING TWISTS

Located in northwestern Mexico and sharing a border with California in the U.S., Baja California boasts nearly 1,600 km of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California.

This state, shaped by migration, showcases a rich and diverse culture across distinct regions and landscapes.

Salazar quickly pointed out to Travelweek that Baja California is the wine capital of Mexico and produces 70% of the country’s wine. This may be an unknown fact to many, as stereotypically, Mexico is associated with tequila and mezcal.

Another interesting nugget is that the famous Caesar salad originated at Caesar’s Restaurant in Tijuana, created by visionary Caesar Cardini, using ingredients he had on hand.

Today, Tijuana’s most iconic dish remains popular worldwide, celebrating over 100 years of history.

Embraced by two seas, Baja features high-quality, locally grown ingredients, providing an elevated culinary experience with both farm-to-table and sea-to-table options. According to Salazar, “it doesn’t get any fresher than that.”

Thanks to the talented local chefs, the state has also earned international recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.

BAJA’S DISTINCT REGIONS

As Mexico’s 12th largest state by area, Baja California features a unique and diverse range of landscapes, including beaches, forests, deserts, and valleys.

Here is a rundown on what to expect in each of the seven districts …

Tijuana – A vibrant multicultural city full of history and character. It is the main gateway to the state by land, sea or border. Notably, it features the world’s first binational bridge, connecting Tijuana International Airport directly to a terminal in San Diego, CA.

Rosarito – This beach destination is known for its stunning coastline and relaxed vibe. It is perfect for water activities like surfing and diving, boasting some of the best waves in the region and along with the state’s only artificial reef.

Ensenada – A charming port city located along the Mexican Pacific, Ensenada is recognized as the wine capital of Mexico, offering a variety of vineyards and world-class restaurants.

Mexicali – Home to the iconic Magic Neighbourhood of La Chinesca, Mexicali features revolutionary cuisine and exceptional craft beer, making it a unique culinary destination.

Tecate – The only designated Magical Town located on an international border, is where Baja California’s wine route begins. This town also has some of the state’s oldest wineries and the famous Rancho La Puerta Spa.

San Quintin – This region is known for its numerous shellfish farms, offering some of the finest delicacies in Baja California. Visitors can also embark on eco-tourism adventures and discover its winding wetlands.

San Filipe – A charming seaside town known for its dramatic low tides and warm waters. San Felipe provides the opportunity to explore the majestic Valle de los Gigantes – a valley filled with giant cacti.

Sandra Gastelum, Baja Ca​lifornia Tourism​ Board_​ Zaida Luz Sanchez, Secretary of ​Tourism, Baja California_ ​Fernanda Rosas, PTG Consulting

GETTING THERE

BY AIR – Baja California has the second-busiest airport connectivity on Mexico’s Pacific coast, with Tijuana International Airport being the best-connected airport in the region. It offers daily flights to Mexico City and direct connections to Los Cabos, providing a direct route link to Canada.

Other airports in Baja California include Mexicali International Airport and San Felipe International Airport.

Alternatively, Canadians can fly to San Diego and arrange border crossing transfers.

BY SEA – Baja California is also accessible by sea, with four seaports in the Pacific Ocean and one on the Gulf of California. Ensenada is the second most-visited port in Mexico. It is conveniently located near the seaside ports of Long Beach and San Diego, California, making it a hub for cruise ships.

Wrapping up her presentation at the Toronto event, Salazar expressed her gratitude and shared a heartfelt message: “I want to encourage you to explore this new and emerging destination. It offers diverse ecosystems, a variety of activities, and stunning settings. It’s not just a place; it’s about the journey to somewhere new.”

Adventure awaits in Baja California.

For more information on travel to Baja California, see BajaCalifornia.Travel. To access the travel advisor specialist program, click here.