Bella Bella, a tiny fishing village in British Columbia, is buzzing after an unannounced visit from Elon Musk over the weekend. The Tesla and X CEO landed in the isolated town, nestled in the Great Bear Rainforest, before departing by helicopter. With just around 1,500 residents, Musk’s appearance came as a complete surprise. Local Seán Carter told CBC that while the town occasionally sees high-profile visitors, this was extraordinary.
He speculated Musk may have been en route to see James Murdoch, Tesla board member and son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who owns nearby property. CBC confirmed Musk’s private jet touched down in Vancouver Friday night and departed Monday afternoon, with visual evidence matching flight tracking data.
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Wait, Elon Musk is Canadian?
Elon Musk, born in South Africa, is also a Canadian citizen through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Regina. Musk spent part of his teenage years in Saskatchewan and Vancouver before attending college in Canada. His recent visits and Canadian ties have sparked debate. Earlier this year, a petition called for the government to revoke his citizenship due to his involvement with the Trump administration, coinciding with tensions over U.S.-Canada tariff talks.
Musk’s influence has also complicated political dynamics in Ontario and Western Canada. Provinces such as Quebec and B.C. have considered excluding Tesla from EV rebate programs in response to U.S. tariffs, with B.C. Premier David Eby citing “retaliation.” Yet Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service remains vital to rural Canada, providing connectivity to more than half of rural communities.
Musk’s own statements about Canada have fluctuated—from posting an “I Love Canada” T-shirt in 2023 to tweeting in 2025 that “Canada is not a real country” before deleting it. Despite politics, local resident Seán Carter called Musk’s Bella Bella visit “one for the history books.”
Locals have mixed feelings about Musk
Residents of Bella Bella had mixed reactions to Musk’s surprise visit. Emily Lowan, a candidate for the B.C. Green Party leadership, shared photos of his arrival on social media, commenting, “yet another reason to tax billionaires out of existence.”
Yet, in true Canadian fashion, local resident Seán Carter emphasized that Musk received no special treatment at the tiny airport. After landing, he still had to walk a distance through the town.
“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.”
For Bella Bella, the world’s richest man passing through was both extraordinary and unremarkable—an event that made headlines but still reminded locals that even billionaires must navigate small-town logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elon Musk Canadian?
Yes. Musk was born in South Africa but holds Canadian citizenship through his mother, Maye Musk, who was born in Regina. He lived in Saskatchewan and Vancouver as a teen and attended college in Canada.
Why was Musk in Bella Bella?
The visit appeared unannounced. Local speculation suggests he may have been en route to see James Murdoch, Tesla board member and son of Rupert Murdoch, who owns property nearby.
How did locals react?
Reactions were mixed. Some, like Emily Lowan, criticized Musk’s wealth, while others, including Seán Carter, noted he received no special treatment and had to walk through the town.
Has Musk’s relationship with Canada been controversial?
Yes. Musk has sparked debate over his political connections, U.S.-Canada tariffs, Tesla’s EV rebates, and statements about Canada, ranging from “I Love Canada” to “Canada is not a real country.”
Does Musk’s business still impact Canadians?
Yes. Starlink satellite internet is widely used in rural Canada, helping over half of rural communities improve connectivity.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s brief stop in Bella Bella highlighted the unique intersection of global fame and small-town life. While his visit stirred both admiration and criticism, it also underscored the tangible ways Musk’s ventures, like Starlink, touch Canadian communities. From his complex ties to Canada to the practical realities of navigating a remote village airport, the trip reminded residents and the wider public that even the world’s richest man must contend with local logistics.