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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,135
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Quebec City is where we were on our Tauck trip when my husband was diagnosed with covid. Hopefully you can see how frustrated we were with not having help from the tour due to the language barrier. Thank goodness for the translation app.

 

Sorry for repeating our story, but Tauck instructions were to "consult the front desk, they will be able to help you." On our own,we located a PCR testing site but didn't know if was a 5 minute walk or a 5 mile cab ride. The cab driver was so nice. We told him that we were pretty sure we had covid. He rolled down his window and kept his mask on. We arrived at the testing site way before our appointment and the cab waited for us. And we showed our appreciation.

 

This is the same front desk staff who were no help in us getting some snacks during our isolation. We needed Diet Cokes, water, crackers, other nibbles. 

 

This was our second trip to Quebec City. One time in Montreal, we were decyphering the menu at a walk up type cafe. A nearby man said to us in english: you need to learn the language. 

 

We enjoyed the museums in Ottawa and went to a baseball in Toronto. We were bored with Niagara on the Lake. For us, Montreal underground is just a mall but the Old Town is very nice. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,269
Registered: ‎11-08-2020

My experience is that reaction to English speaking only tourists/business travellers is worse in Quebec City.  On one trip, the cab driver lectured me from the airport to the hotel on how important it was to speak both languages.  In Montreal, once you say 'hello', the service industry automatically switch to English.  French is the official language of Quebec.  There is an ingrained deliberate mindset to preserve the French language and culture in Quebec City and some would go as far as to support independence from Canada to preserve their "distinct society".  This has been the subject of much discussion nationally and it comes to the forefront from time to time.  There have been referendums on this subject.  Montreal has been the driving force at keeping Quebec part of the Canadian union.

 

I know there is a good chance I will encounter this when I travel to Quebec City.  I just accept it for what it is.  LM

 

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,043
Registered: ‎02-07-2011

@PickyPicky3   DH and I have traveled a LOT.  Wherever we go I try to learn several words in that country's language, i.e, hello, please, thank you, etc.  Even when we went to China, I learned the words for those phrases.  It is amazing what making the effort to speak the language, even poorly and limited, can do to make things much more pleasant.  

 

And even if some are "rude" being in a different culture and seeing the "sights" make up for it  for us.

 

As for the bathroom "Ou est la toilette?""  should have worked!!!  LOL!!!

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,669
Registered: ‎08-28-2010

Victoria and surrounding areas on Vancouver Island are beautiful.  The people were pleasant and polite.

 

Butchart Gardens is amazing.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,031
Registered: ‎10-22-2018

If you think the language issue in Quebec has faded, Google "Quebec Bill 96" or "Quebec Law 96" (because the bill became law in June). This law extends and strengthens French language requirements from the previous 1990's law. I'm intentionally not posting links or details for this one.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,842
Registered: ‎04-23-2010
I love Quebec City , very charming. I have never had any problems with people there regarding the language.
I do not speak French but I did there what I usually do in France. I make an effort to learn a few phrases of politeness .So I enter, smile and greet them in French. They know right away and switch to English. Works like a charm. Paris is the same. Been to France 6 times, never a problem.
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,842
Registered: ‎04-23-2010
 
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,892
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

I speak French so my experiences in Québec City are different. I've been there many times and I love it. My French has a Parisian accent so ii's quite different than Québécois French. The people I met were lovely...friendly and accomodating, even when I told them I was an English speaker from New York. The food was fabulous, with its own local ingredients and customs of preparation. The Old Town is the place to stay. Save Le Château Frontenac for your photos, but stay at L'Auberge St. Antoine, voted the best hotel in Canada by Travel and Leisure Magazine