Elon Musk's Impromptu Visit to Bella Bella: Unraveling His Canadian Connection

2025-08-21 08:59

In a surprising turn of events, the small fishing village of Bella Bella, British Columbia, was abuzz with excitement as Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual, made an unannounced visit over the weekend. The CEO of Tesla and X arrived in the remote community, situated in the breathtaking Great Bear Rainforest, via private jet, before departing by helicopter. This unexpected visit has sparked discussion and fascination among the local residents and beyond.

With a population of approximately 1,500, Bella Bella is no stranger to attracting high-profile visitors, according to local resident Seán Carter. He speculated that Musk might have been passing through en route to meet James Murdoch, the son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, who serves on Tesla's board and owns property nearby. Carter's remarks, captured by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), underscore the significance of Musk's visit: "It's not every day the richest man in the world comes through town... That's going to be a tough one to top."

The CBC confirmed Musk's private jet arrived in Vancouver late Friday night and took off again on Monday afternoon, substantiating the unexpected visit. Flight data reviewed by the CBC aligns with Musk's entry and exit from the country.

Musk's Canadian Connection: A Complex and Fascinating Backstory

While born in South Africa, Elon Musk holds Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. Musk spent part of his youth in Saskatchewan and Vancouver, attending college in Canada. This Canadian connection has been the subject of debate, with a petition circulating earlier this year seeking to revoke his citizenship due to his involvement in President Trump's administration, coinciding with escalating trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada.

Musk's influence has also been felt in political dynamics in Ontario and Western Canada. The entrepreneur's views on Canada have been inconsistent, to say the least. In 2023, he shared a photo of himself wearing an "I Love Canada" T-shirt, referring to himself as "half-Canadian." However, in February 2025, he tweeted that "Canada is not a real country" in response to the citizenship petition, though he later deleted the tweet.

Mixed Reactions from Local Residents

Residents of Bella Bella expressed varied opinions about Musk's visit. Emily Lowan, a candidate for the B.C. Green Party leadership, shared photos of Musk's arrival on social media, remarking, "yet another reason to tax billionaires out of existence." On the other hand, Carter noted that Musk did not receive preferential treatment at the local airport and had to walk a considerable distance. "It was quite busy," Carter said. "The plane landed on one side, the helicopter on the other, and he had to walk a long way. He probably hoped to come in and out quietly, but there are no secrets in this town."

Beyond the Controversy: A Glimpse into Musk's Impact on Canada

Musk's visit to Bella Bella has sparked debate and discussion, but it also highlights his significant influence on Canada. His Starlink satellite internet service has been instrumental in enhancing connectivity in rural Canadian communities. Conversely, his company Tesla has been at the center of debates in Quebec, British Columbia, and other provinces regarding the exclusion of the electric vehicle brand from rebate programs in response to U.S. tariffs.

In conclusion, Elon Musk's unexpected visit to Bella Bella has brought attention to his complex and multifaceted connection to Canada. While opinions about the entrepreneur may be divided, his impact on the country cannot be ignored. As Carter aptly put it, "No matter what your opinion of him is, it's something to follow."