I was going to write a real post today but I ran out of time and it’s late so instead I’m going to just share the substack letter I just mailed out in case you don’t subscribe but want to know why I’ve disappeared for a few days:
Hello, love!
I know I just sent you a letter but I’m sending another one because next week I’ll be in Quebec for a couple of days and I don’t know how to schedule a future post and I don’t know if I’ll have access to substack there. Honestly, how am I decades into publishing online and am still so bad at this?
BUT! Pretend that this is next Monday because my drawing for the week is a reminder of exactly why I’ll be in Quebec…because life is short and fragile and I’ve never seen the sort of snow that you can do things in and I want to sled down a hill or build a snowman once in my life before it’s too late. Of course, now that I’ve written this I expect that all the snow in Canada will melt but I’ve heard they also have excellent cheeses so we’ll make do no matter what.
“Our lives are fleeting and fragile and beautiful…like butterfly wings that turn to dust at a touch.”
And let this be a tiny reminder to you that (if you can) you should go out and do something fun and whimsical and ridiculous as often as possible because that is what life is made of. Bundle into a quilt and watch an old black and white movie. Attach a swing to your tree and have fun. Make plans to see snow and then remember that in addition to many other diseases you also have severe rheumatoid arthritis and then say, “FUCK IT. I’LL BRING EXTRA DRUGS” and get on the plane even though you feel kind of stupid and might end up in a cramped ball of pain at the end of this.
Hugs, sweet friend.
~ Jenny
PS. I have been doing duolingo for 333 days straight because I heard that learning languages can help keep dementia away and so I will be using my french for the first time ever in real life and do I just apologize in advance for fucking it up? Is it rude to speak French if I can speak English since I think much of Quebec also speaks English? Am I just making it harder on everyone else or is it a charming thing to show them that I’m really trying and am just very stupid? I don’t know the answer here.
I lived in Montreal for 2 years not really speaking French, and it’s the only part of Quebec that’s really bilingual. The rest is all French. My one sentence (forgive no accents), said in an operatic way with hand on chest: “Desole, je ne parles pas le francais!” It helped. And trying certainly helps. Bonne chance!
If you’re in tourist areas try to speak it. If you’re not they might think you’re rude.. but I’m a Saskatchewanian so I could be wrong.. welcome to Canada though. We have more snow.
The first rule of French club is admitting that no native Frenchie in any area will approve of your accent. And I say this as both a former French Club president and as someone who’s been relearning French on DuoLingo for almost 5 years. You’ll understand enough to at least read signs. They’ll roll their eyes and speak in English so you don’t butcher their language. You’ll accept their disdain and their croissants. So, it’s really win-win. Enjoy the snow and trip!!!
Thanks, love! Sending this to encourage you to play in the snow. This is me, 67 years old, in a rare snow in central VA. I highly recommend an inflatable craft! Have fun!
Have fun in Quebec! You should definitely speak French while you’re there, even if you’re inexperienced. Most Francophones will take pity and switch over to English, but I think they generally appreciate it when people make the effort to *try* speaking French first.
Or at least that’s been my experience.
My daughter went on a school-related trip with her French teacher and classmates to Quebec City back in high school. From what I gathered, they appreciate the effort when someone tries to speak French, but will gently correct you if you say something wrong (such as the kids saying “Bonjour” rather than “Bonsoir” at dinnertime) Also, it looks like the weather is going to be a lot warmer than it was for her trip. They went in February, and had DAYTIME temps in the -30 to -40 degree range. Did you know that -40 F and -40 C are the same temperature? Also, you are legally and morally obligated to try poutine and report back.
Quebecois is not a type of French you’ll understand, but try anyway. Quebec wanted to separate and don’t like anglophones all that much. Enjoy. Oh. Ask for poutine it’s a must.
On my one visit to Montreal I had my HS-French-speaking husband teach me how to say I didn’t speak French. Tried it in a store, but my knack for accents just meant they didn’t believe me and kept trying to speak French until my bewildered look and “no, really” convinced them.
Quebec French isn’t French French, but good luck anyways! And eat poutine while you’re there, and have frozen maple syrup on a stick!
OMG SO EXCITING! Welcome!! I was born and still live in Montreal Quebec and my first language is ENGLISH. Most people in larger cities speak both languages and it’s not at all insulting to speak French even if the person speaks English. We just had a big snow storm yesterday so we should still have snow when you get here! Have a great time and thanks for visiting! 🇨🇦
As a Canadian, have a great time and enjoy the snow!!! I hope there is lots there for you when you arrive. And yes, Quebec French is different than what you would encounter in France. You know us Canadians are all about being polite so I think if you’re honest and tell them you’ve been trying to learn French and this is your first opportunity to try it with real people, you will be given grace 🙂 Have a great adventure <3
I was born in Montreal and lived there til my late twenties..I live in Toronto now ..but still have our cottage in the Laurentians and stay there for the summer on a lake. You will love Quebec ..not sure where you are going but it snowed a lot yesterday in Montreal. People really appreciate you trying to speak French ..especially with a southern accent..they will probably answer in English but they are just trying to be helpful. So many good places to eat ..and you must try a pain au chocolate and some Montreal bagels Happy to give you any advice.
I have heard that you absolutely must begin any interaction by saying “bonjour” (or “bonsoir” if it’s evening), but that could only be in France? In any case it can’t hurt. And yes, Quebecois is different from European French, but I think you would still be understood. The difficulty would be your understanding if the locals speak to you in dialect, but they’ll probably switch to English anyway.
Unfortunately, Quebec are snobs even when you try so good luck! However, Montreal is beautiful so just enjoy your surroundings!
Oh god, were you learning France French or Canadian French?
Even if your French doesn’t pass for Quebec French, starting off apologizing will get people thinking you’re Canadian. 😂
(So excited to hear you’re visiting us up here in the great white north… butter tarts, poutine, and beaver tails await). ❤️
Canada welcomes you!
Enjoy Quebec – if you come back again please come and see us in Vancouver 🇨🇦
They will appreciate the fact that you are making an effort. If they can’t understand you they will let you know and switch to English. Just remember to always say bonjour and merci.
Have fun in Quebec! Beautiful city, A+ food, but ask your hotel’s staff how they think the weather is. We also hadnt seen real snow before, and we climbed the wall in a snow storm because we were ignorant Texans who thought “this is just how real winters are” only for the guy at the hotel to tell us “no this is awful, we stay inside for this kind of snow.” Stay safe!
I love Quebec. I went to Quebec City on a whim this summer because they had a lovely commercial welcoming Americans even though we didn’t deserve it. I attempted French less than I should have, nerves, but when I did they usually responded in English anyway, so my French probably didn’t sound good. I did buy a couple of early reader books in French to practice. I do Duolingo, just hit 600 days. I also added LingoPie to watch videos in French.
I hope you had just the right amount of snow, and no flares. It is supposed to be beautiful in the winter. Not sure if you went to Old Quebec. I will go back in December someday.
Spent a week in Montreal in September and everywhere we went the people spoke to us in English when they heard us speak it amongst ourselves. That said, I revelled in the opportunity to practice my French whenever I could and no one looked down their noses at my efforts. We were met with graciousness at every turn. I know that you will be your warm, wonderful self and the people that you meet will reciprocate. Have a wonderful time and dress warmly; it’s a damp cold.
As a Quebecer, we’re not snobs, we’re not rude, we love the rest of Canada and I’m beyond excited you’re coming to visit. I’m building an ice rink in my backyard this week, please come try it out. I’ll make sugar snow and poutine and my husband will wear a flannel shirt while chopping wood. Also, if someone speaks Fench and you don’t understand, simply say ‘sorry?’ rather than ‘pardon?’ and they will know to switch to English (if they’re able). Have a great trip!
Bonjour Jenny ! I live in a suburb of Montréal and my mother tongue is French. Here’s my advice: Dress warmly (tuque, mitts & scarf, always) and practice your French, whenever you can. We always appreciate the effort ! The words ”bonjour” (hello), ”s’il vous plait” (please) and ”merci” (thank you) go a looong way over here. You might also want to know that ici, an ATM is called a ”guichet” (as in GUItar & saSHAY), and a 7/11 go-to store is called a ”dep” (as in JOHNNY). Bienvenue au Québec ! Have fun !
They will appreciate the fact that you are making an effort. If they can’t understand you they will let you know and switch to English. Just remember to always say bonjour and merci.
If you want to get along with people there, don’t speak English. On the plus side, given your medical history, you’re headed to a place with excellent hospitals. A US friend banged up his hand, blood in a towel bad, and ended up in an emergency room. They stitched up his hand, put on a finger splint, and then looked at his travel insurance and medical plan. Head nurse said they didn’t want to deal with billing so “you’re not here”. That’s right, pushed out the door without paying a penny. Such is govt medical. I haven’t been to Quebec in decades, but there’s some awesome photo ops.
Someone wrote that Quebecois don’t like anglophones but that’s not true. Maybe some don’t but not the majority. Quebec wanting to separate from Canada is not from hate of anglophones. I was born and raised in Montreal. Montreal is multicultural. We speak French and English. Quebec greats their tourists very well and will accommodate you. Quebec is a beautiful city but please visit Montreal too. Enjoy your trip!
I usually open with “hello” in the local language, and then if they speak English they usually switch because my accent is clearly not- native. If they don’t switch to English I muddle along best I can or ask “speak English?” in the local language. If they do switch I still throw in some please and thank you, etc in the local language. I’ll also use the local language for simple requests. Usually people are happy that you are making an effort, but chances are good that they speak English better than you speak French so definitely follow their lead if it’s like a busy restaurant or something. If it’s someplace more calm and you have time to chat, you can let them know that you want to practice your French.
Try the French! It will be a lot more fun and your mistakes will make for great stories later!
So, Jenny my Sweet, don’t overthink the whole language thing. Try out your French bravely and if it doesn’t work, bring out your English. If you smile they’ll accept anything. They do like tourists so don’t worry about it. And you’ll love the snow in Quebec. It’s so much nicer than the snow where you’re from. 😉
I visited Quebec as a child with my family and didn’t speak a word of French at the campground store where all of my family were camping at while my siblings and cousins all bought candy and ice cream with our allowances. The people at the store didn’t speak a word of English, but they were lovely to us and we had a great time there.
My grandmother who is half French and half American and lived part of her life in France as a child through her teen years and graduated with highest honors at the Sorbonne in France, was treated very rudely when she spoke in French in French speaking Canada, and also when she visited France later in life after she and her husband were retired. And she was the loveliest, sweetest, most polite person I’ve ever met, so I’m not sure what everyone’s problem was.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how good you are at speaking French, people are either pleased that you’re trying to speak to them in French or they’re not nice about it. It’s not about you, it’s about them.
Have a lovely time and enjoy the snow!
As a French Montrealer, there is no obligation to speak French, but if you want to try people will definitely appreciate the effort. They may switch to English when they hear your accent, but it’s because they want to be helpful.
It’s super cold here so absolutely bring good boots that are warm and have traction, a warm coat, hat, mitts, everything you need to stay warm – and even then, depending on where you are and how long you’re outside, your checks will be nice and rosy lol
Welcome to Quebec, I hope you enjoy your trip!
I am on day 62 of Spanish duolingo and I have been wondering when I will think I know enough to try it! Good luck. Let us know how it goes
Speak French with joie!
The Quebecois will always appreciate an effort to speak French, no matter how it sounds. They may respond in English if they think that it will make things easier for you, but they will appreciate the effort nonetheless.
All you really need is an optimistic tone and the word “Fromage?”
Just visited Montreal in the spring and did fine with English. Cities don’t get as much snow as the countrysides though. Come to Northern Ontario! It just dumped 4 feet in a week. Today is a sled day.
I hope you are going to Quebec City!! We went 2 years ago in mid Dec and while it was COLD, it was magical!!! Ride the toboggan during day and at night!!!
I live in Chicago. Our enthusiasm for snow is not quite the same as yours… but who doesn’t appreciate a good snowman??
I just came back from Quebec as non-french speaker. They appreciate if you try to speak French. My phrase was Bonjour! Parlez-vous anglais? Which translates to Good Morning. Do you speak English?
After years of study in Elementary and high school I can speak just enough French to completely misunderstand Canadians. Quebecua are a bit more judgy about it but they’ll appreciate the effort.
Also thank you for sending this out this morning. I read this just hours after learning of the death of an old performer friend of mine. He’s the definition of somebody who lived their life on their terms doing what they want. Doing extensive stints as a professional fire eater and Carnival geek probably aren’t great on the body long-term but for the most part he was happy and so thank you for reminding me to toast to a life well lived even if it meant he wore out a bit sooner
If it’s snow you want, we can accomodate you here in Western New York State. I am in between Rochester and Niagara Falls south of Lake Ontario and it is snowing as I write this. Oh, and you don’t need French here, we speak English just fine!
For your next Canadian trip, come to Vancouver Island and I’ll take you whale watching! Have fun in Quebec! 🇨🇦
It’s actually considered rude not to try and speak French when in Quebec. In fact, some people might even refuse to speak English with you. So practice away
The French you learn in Duolingo is not the French they speak in Quebec, so don’t worry too much about it!
1. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/09/22/nx-s1-5544463/rheumatoid-arthritis-new-device-nerve-stimulator
2. I took SEVEN years of French and couldn’t understand ANYTHING in Montreal. I think they’re messing with us!
3. If there’s no snow on Canada, come to Minnesota! We are beautifully deluged with it!
4. Beautiful, beautiful reminder. Enjoy your trip, Jenny
If it snow your heart desires, you are in luck as the Northeast, including us here in Quebec, have gotten a couple of pretty impressive snowstorms and cold snaps already, and one of the earliest winter in recent history.
Things will be warming up a tad though – a good thing because it has been frigid for early December until know.
Enjoy yourself, you will no doubt love our lovely cities and attractions. Montreal is multicultural (no worries about your French skills here) and a LOT of fun. Quebec City is historical and absolutely gorgeous at Christmastime.
You probably will eat like you not have in a while 😉 As they say that only in Quebec will you be served Europe-worthy fare, in North American portions, while being able to pay in American dollars 😉 Get back to me if ever you need recommendations 😉 but you will have to try poutine (from a greasy spoon-type place, not an American chain please!) and if in Montreal the necessary smoked meat sandwich and Montreal bagel -warm from the wood-burning stove if ever possible. Quebec city also has some of the best restos in North America.
Welcome Jenny, and hope you have an absolutely lovely time
Try your french! Why not I’m sure us lovely Canadians would not mind! Wish I was closer and could come see you! Maybe next time! Have a wonderful time, bundle up its cold up here!
I have practiced “sorry, I only know a little (whatever language is appropriate for what country we were in)” in that country’s language. Which came in handy when I had downloaded translators on my phone, but the plane ride there somehow made my phone a brick (it was in my carry-on and must have been touched on too many times without a password).
May as well test out your French! My daughter took French in high school and continued in college, but she’s also been double Duolingo for a couple of years for Spanish. Recently she started Arabic also in Duolingo. I can’t imagine why she’d be interested in Arabic? Talk about random!
Enjoy Montreal! Whenever you have time consider moving from substack -it’s got a bad rep and it makes me sad that so many lovely people use it https://leavesubstack.com/
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A helpful thing to know is that in Montreal, people in stores and restaurants will often greet you with “bonjour hello.” The idea is that you respond in the language you would like to converse in. I learned that one the hard way 🙂 Have a great time on your trip! Hope you get lots of snow!
Montreal is lovely. Speak French. Don’t be put off by being corrected though… Welcome to Canada! (Love from British Columbia)
We just visited Montreal and Quebec City in October. They are both beautiful places filled with lovely people who are patient with Americans. (We kept apologizing for the latest chapter of American behavior, and we frequently heard, ” We hear that a lot” with a kind smile in return.) Enjoy!
As a Canadian who’s spent lots of time in Quebec, the attempt to speak French is appreciated. Enjoy
Oh honey. Not the cheeses. Stay away from the cheeses!!! I have read your owners manual and inserting cheese into the system will cause it to malfunction spectacularly. I mean, you will enjoy the first part of that process immensely, but you might be stuck in your room afterwards and miss the snow!
So much effing snow in Quebec right now, specifically Montreal. It came early, and has us by the throat.
Just make an effort to say a phrase or two in French, and people will appreciate it and be polite and helpful. Enjoy your visit!
If you’re going to Quebec City, I strongly recommend eating at Le Billig – a restaurant that does amazing crepes. Reservation recommended. And it’s a really beautiful city- very romantic. Try your French – but mine was so bad that as soon as I said “bonjour” they’d switch to English (I have a terrible accent). Enjoy every minute, and welcome to Canada!
The French that we learn here in Canada is Québécois French, which is a bit different from the French of France. Just say hello and start from there. Lot’s of people in Quebec are bilingual.
Here in southwest Canada we got hit with an “atmospheric river” rain event so we don’t have lots of snow currently, but looking at the weather network, Eastern Canada seems to have lots. Have a great time enjoying the snow.
As for Substack or any other internet related stuff, hotels have wifi, there are lots of cafés with wifi, etc. You’ll be fine.
Enjoy yourself, and welcome to Canada! ❤️
Just say bonjour and when you leave a bientôt j espère wish mean hope to see soon and lest not forget oh merci beaucoup c était très bon when you eat anything you liked like putine ( cheese with fries)and also oh c est tres beau ou très jolie oh its beautiful or its cute but lets not forget non merci c est trop cher is no thank you its too expensive . Honestly that all you need bisous kisses
They will love the effort, grasshopper. Speak away. Just remember they’re more nasaly than the French. Have fun. And fuck ’em if they can’t appreciate the effort!
We spent Christmas in Montreal and LOVED it. My high-school French allowed us to be polite, but asking “English, please” was never a problem. There was one restaurant that was VERY French, but my phone translated the menu and we were fine.
We spent Christmas morning driving the suburbs looking at decorations, and kids with new bikes and sleds. We bought ourselves Christmas presents and books in the shops (on Xmas Eve), and had a lovely little Christmas tea near our B&B. Bon Voyage mon ami.
I’m from the US (Michigan) but I spend a lot of time in wonderful Quebec visiting friends and skiing. Yes, you may run into folks who are unhappy that if you only speak English or less-then-perfect French – they assume you are from Canada (but you might have enough of an accent for folks not to make that assumption). As soon as you state you’re from the US most folks will have their eyes light up and be excited to have you visit. If they do just roll their eyes when you say you are from the US, roll your eyes back, say “Yeah, I know”, and all is good (those folks are very rare – I met one during a weeklong ski trip last year).
Snow is wonderful. Do be sure to leave them a snow angel.
Anytime you make an effort to learn the language of a country you are visiting it’s
a win. It shows respect for the people and their culture, even if you butcher it. No matter how many languages a person speaks, the language of their heart is always the language they grew up with.
Enjoy the snow. It’s a wonder. Enjoy Quebec. There’s so much to see. If you get a chance, say hello to my second favorite author, Louise Penny. I have always wanted to go to one of her book signings but she has chosen not to visit the US for the moment. Your courage and curiosity is a gift and a lesson for all of us. Happy travels!
Some important French phrases in Canada:
Bonjour – Hello
Bon Matin – Good Morning
Merci/ Bienvenu – Thank you/ You’re welcome
S’il vous plaît – Please
Désolé – A sincere apology
Pardon – A more formal apology
Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English
Pourriez-vous m’aider – Could you help me?
Excusez-moi – Excuse me
Je m’excuse, Je ne comprends pas – I’m sorry, I don’t understand
L’addition s’il vous plaît – The bill please
À tantôt ! – See you soon
Bonne journée ! – Good day
Amusez-vous!
There seem to be a lot of Quebeckers in the comments, if you have questions or want recommendations, write another post about it, and ask away!
I’m from the Montreal area myself, most tourist areas are bilingual.
Quebec City itself has a lot of winter-themed fun. Check out the “Enchanted Night Walk” in the woods (Onhwa’ Lumina).
You might see Bonhomme, you’ll get to tell us if you think he’s charming or terrifying.
If you go to Montreal, go to the Kent Monkman exhibit at the fine arts musem. It’s fantastic and should not be missed.
There seem to be a lot of Quebeckers in the comments, if you have questions or want recommendations, write another post about it, and ask away!
I’m from the Montreal area myself, most tourist areas are bilingual.
Quebec City itself has a lot of winter-themed fun. Check out the “Enchanted Night Walk” in the woods (Onhwa’ Lumina).
You might see Bonhomme, you’ll get to tell us if you think he’s charming or terrifying.
If you go to Montreal, go to the Kent Monkman exhibit at the fine arts musem. It’s fantastic and should not be missed.
You definitely should try to speak in French. We really do appreciate when people make an effort, and find it quite rude when people don’t at least try to say bonjour (hello) and merci (thank you). If you mix things up or have a strong accent, you can always say “désolée” (sorry), or just try again, and we will love you for it. Many Quebecers might switch to English straight away when they know that you mother tongue is English. If you want to practice your French, you can say “en français, s’il vous plaît” Don’t expect much English from older generations outside of Montreal or outside touristic areas. Le Vieux-Québec is an amazing place to enjoy winter. You can even go sliding with a view of the château Frontenac (Frontenac Castle): https://au1884.ca/toboggan-slide-tickets/ Hope you’ll have a blast!
Use the French you know! Efforts in knowing the basics of the local language are always appreciated in my experience.
If the French speakers in Quebec City are snooty to you, go further north. The people in Lac St. John will be sweet to you and think you’re charming, which you are. Happy snow days to you!
Ok, these comments have you covered for language, poutine, and toque wearing. But there’s one tip I don’t see here.
TRACTION AIDS. Get some boots or shoes with grippy soles or built in Ice cleats. Or get the over the shoe ones. Hopefully you won’t need them, I’m not sure what kinds of snowy adventures you plan to have. But a fall might trigger your arthritis, or myriad of other things. Don’t let the Ice steal your fun!
I was yelled at walking on the street and speaking English to my friends when I was in Quebec. I wasn’t even talking to French speakers. Someone just overheard me and yelled at me, telling me to speak French! I think I was in Quebec City.
Luckily, I was with my friend who is a Francophile (even though she was raised in Ontario, French is her first language). She just yelled back at them! She pointed out that I was a guest and I was allowed to speak my own language on the street.
Anyway, the point is, even if they can speak English, they are very proud of their language and culture. There are also tensions between Francophiles and Anglophiles (note that French is an official language in Canada, but signage is bilingual ONLY in Quebec, not the rest of the country). So, I would definitely try your French out and THEN speak English when you run into a roadblock. They will appreciate it.
PS. the Quebecoise may feel the need to point out that their French is better/more linguistically accurate than the French they speak in France. I don’t know if it’s true. I just know my Quebecoise friends LOVE to bring that up. ;)!
I’m glad you had fun in Quebec, it’s beautiful there..it’s true the Quebec French is different than that in France French. Quebec City and Montebello are lovely! I was born in Montreal, also an awesome city. Nice to see you came up to our neck of the woods for vacay, lots more to discover 🇨🇦