Montreal and Quebec: If I Don't Speak French, Should I Not Even Bother Going?

Show all answers

chick-a-dee

While you may run into some negatives speaking English in the province of Quebec, it will mainly be in the more remote areas. In a city like Montreal, a large percentage of the population speaks English and they are quite used to tourists and visitors. Even in Quebec City, which is much more French, there is a large tourist area where it is quite common to hear English spoken. So if you are visiting the cities, you should be able to manage and I doubt you will be treated rudely.

In terms of trying out your French, there is a cultural difference and french-Canadians find it polite to correct someone's speech. In English, we see it a bit more rude to have someone correct you while you are trying to communicate - but that is actually a cultural difference rather than anything they mean as a criticism. So don't get discouraged if you get corrected!

Being treated rudely for speaking English is something that you experience more when you live there. They are very forgiving of English tourists but much less so of English residents.

This year they are celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City so it is a great time to go.

becca

I had heard many awful things about travelling in Quebec, and I was so scared to go there. I don't speak much french. When I got there people were so friendly to me and I had a great time. I didn't find any meanies.
Just be friendly and remember that you are the tourist, and if you want assistance, go out of your way with the please and thanks. Oh and enjoy your trip, it is especially beautiful in the winter, do you like to ski?

You might also want to stop in Kingston (a beautiful city, there is always lots to see and do), and of course Ottawa.

curious_lalalala

Chick-a-dee is right on.

In Montreal there are probably more English-speakers than French-speakers now so you'll have no problem speaking English there, especially in the downtown area or any tourist places (museums, attractions, sightseeing spots, restaurants, etc.)

Quebec City is one of the most visited cities in Canada and their residents are more than used to having tourists around. It also boasts an English-speaking population of 20,000 people. Native French speakers are used to speaking English with tourists and will gladly speak to you in English (especially in the Old Town), so no worries there.

Trying out the little French you know will get you a LONG way. Quebecers appreciate it a lot when you try to speak their language, however bad your French may be, it doesn't matter. And as chick-a-dee said, if you get corrected (or if someone repeats after you with the correct form), don't take it the wrong way, it's not a sign of rudeness, they're actually trying to help you along.

So you won't get dirty looks, I promise.

HabsFan-in LoneStarSt8

I learned my French at home (mon pere etant un << maudit francais >>) but I have been to Quebec many times, have also lived there. As long as you make an effort, people appreciate your effort. As others have said, in Montreal there are people who have survived without learning French, but they limit their options. Outside of Montreal, many have learned English, but if they don't often have a chance to practise, it may be a bit rusty. (like the French skills of most Anglophone Canadians or the Spanish skills of most Americans)

And do bring a good dictionary, even if it's just to verify a word or point to the phrase in the other language when needed.

musiclover87

If you're travelling to Montreal or Quebec City, don't worry -- people will not be rude to you for speaking English.

In Montreal there are a number of people who live there who do not know a word of French. It's pretty bilingual.

In Quebec City, there are a lot more French speakers than in Montreal, but a lot of them know a little bit of English...especially in the touristy areas. This year, since they're celebrating the 400th anniversary, there are A LOT of tourists and they have tour guides in both English and French. They won't think any less of you for speaking English.

Have fun on your trip!

Tinkerbella

in the tourest area most ppl speak english.. and even if you speck a bit of french the ppl there love that you are trying and are very nice to you.. so you should be fine and try your best with the french!! :)

Karoon100

You should have no problem finding people that speak English. For sure at hotels the people should be able to speak English or they will find you an employee that does speak English.

There is a possibility that you could run into people that do not speak English. Maybe at the local corner store (call Depaneurs here in Montreal), but often someone within the store would likely speak English and would likely offer some help.

Places to see in Montreal. The "old port" which is an older section of Montreal by the waterfront.

Best bars and many restaurants on the following three streets. Crescent street, Bishop street, St.Denis street (Crescent is a hot spot)

There are many shopping plazas, Ste Catherines street (Many underground shopping malls off Ste Catherines street)

Lots of museums. Bio Dome (shows the four seasons in an indoor exhibit, animals, tropical) http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en

MontrÃ©al Botanical Gardens
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/propos/calendrier.htm

Magic of Lanterns at MontrÃ©al Botanical Gardens
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/propos/lanternes.htm

http://www.montreal.com/

Note, all the information above is on Montreal.
All the best on your journey to Montreal or Quebec City.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: