Well I'm finally headed with my Canadian Fiance to Montreal tomorrow! I've focused so much on the process and getting things organized, I really didn't even look into the culture and background of Montreal...

I really respect all cultures, and I do not want to visit Montreal as a total ignorant traveler. What tips can any of you give me about what to expect from a language and cultural viewpoint?

Each time I've called to verify reservations, etc, they always just speak French, so I would like to be polite since my fiance and I do not speak a word of French...

It caught me off guard one time on the phone, and I just politely said, "Do you speak English?" The man from the hotel sighed rudely and said "YES HOW CAN I HELP YOU". I'm worried I offended him. Is it more appropriate for me to say "Parlez vous Anglais?" anywhere I go in Montreal? We will be staying for 5 days, eating out a lot, and I want to at least respect people around me.

I just really have not had even 5 minutes (until now) to think about the fact that I am visiting a new place with a different culture than I'm used to. Any tips would be appreciated. In the meantime, I will do some research! Maybe I'm worried because of my experience with the hotel on the phone :x

Everytime I went somewhere, they said "Bonjour!!", and I said "Hi there!!!" back. From then on, they spoke English! (My hotel, airport, restaurants, taxi, etc)... You'll be fine.

I have a hard enough with English!! I spoke English while in Mtl and people were friendly, and had no problems!! I think I would do more hard trying to speak french,lol

Hello Piosenka,

Do not worry about lack of ability to speak French.
I am from here, spent much time away, and now speak the culturally accepted "Franglais".
Hahaha.
Asking in French, like you wrote, if someone speaks English works every time.
The only mistake people make when someone doesn't understand them is to repeat what they said louder.

Sometimes just by trying a different word for the same thing, works...like a more sophisticated word;
for example instead of napkin, you say serviette. Guess what? That word is French.

Spanish is somewhat close too, so try out your Spanish as well.

Most people here, especially downtown speak English to a certain degree.
Be respectful and you will have zero problems.

There is only one problem at the moment:
it's been extremely warm here, and tomorrow is the last warm day. Like, shorts weather! Mmmmm.
Too bad it won't last. As it is I am concerned with global warming!
Bring a coat, scarf and gloves. You will need it later in the week. Brrrrr.

Have fun and good luck at the interview.

Most of my experiences in Montreal (I've been more than half a dozen times I think, all down-town mostly) I've found most people who work in the service industry speak fairly fluent English. They have to, its a bi-lingual country. Or so they tell us in the rest of the country anyhow

If you're staying in an expensive(ish) hotel, there will be people at the front desk who speak fluent English. If you go to a sit down restaurant, the wait staff will probably all speak English. If you go to fast-food, chances are, SOMEone there will speak English. Most retail stores, cinemas etc there will be someone there to speak English.

Its always nice if you (can) make an effort, they'll be more than happy to speak English though when they hear your horrible French accent

I love Montreal, its a great city. Lots to see and do.

Bonne chance, et bon voyage. And good on ya for being resptectful and giving some thought to a new culture and language

I've been to MTL on 22 different occasions and have never had any trouble with languages. Every place I went people would first address in French and when found I couldn't speak French would simply go to English. MTL is a very beautiful place and the people there are very nice. I love MTL it's a great city