Why Montreal HATES American Tourists

Traveling to Montreal, and not sure what you might do that would upset the locals? Well, here we have some of the more common mistakes that tourists to Montreal make that annoy the locals. So do your best not to do too many of these, as the locals in Montreal can be super helpful!
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[@alexlindquist2986]

When I visited 5 years ago, I learned a basic sentence or two to introduce myself in French and ask if I may speak English. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE, I met tons of super friendly people, a few who I still visit. The owner of a brewery even gave me a free beer because he said no Americans ever put that much effort into trying and saw what I did as being very respectful. I agree with Mark 100%, and knowing a few introductory phrases can change your visit completely. I've heard from so many people that the locals were so rude, I disagree and found Montréal to be one of the friendliest cities I've ever been to!

[@simonrancourt7834]

We DO appreciate the effort.

[@curious1264]

yes, this basic rule applies to everywhere you travel not just Montreal. It's a respectful thing to do to at least try.

[@GeorgeVassis]

Well not everyone in Montreal is a french speaker. According to the latest census only 48% speak french most often at home in Montreal. I am an anglo from Montreal, I speak french very well, but I am part of a boycott of the french language since this new racist Bill 96 became law. It gives the language police sweeping power to prosecute anglos who dare be inclusive and post english commercial signs in their shops or dare to speak english at work. Sick law!

[@GeorgeVassis]

@@simonrancourt7834 Umm...not all Montrealers are french speakers. By using the word 'we' you make it sound as if all Montrealers are the same when we are clearly not.

[@simonrancourt7834]

@@GeorgeVassis Because you don't consider yourself part of "us".

[@albear972]

The escalator tip not only applies to Montreal, but anywhere else in the world.

[@soulscanner66]

Montreal has a lot of escalators though.

[@thebookwasbetter3650]

Lived in NYC for a few years and was always impressed that everyone followed this rule.

[@rick49]

The escalator tip doesn't apply just to escalators, and it applies everywhere. Be aware of your surroundings and get out of the way!! 😊

[@HereBeBarr]

Don't tell them New York Bagels are better than Montreal Bagels... learned this one the hard way 😂

[@woltersworld]

Oh they do get a weeeeee bit touchy with that one for sure :)

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s Here Be Barr !

[@acchaladka]

That's because I'm from NY, my dad was born in NY in the twenties, and we agreed that Montreal bagels are better - more like NY bagels used to be before Lerner's ruined things in the mid 70s.

[@Gomba13]

@@acchaladka I've had bagels in NY, they were good because they were STUFFED with delicious toppings. But yeah, the bagel itself is better on my side of the border. 🇨🇦

[@mikeetee]

As someone who grew up in Montreal, this is SPOT ON! I think the Toronto hate is probably not so bad (i.e., you can say you had a good time in Toronto, just don't tell them you liked it more ;) ) And the thing about "real" French was perfect! On your first point about public transit, I would add that people queue up for the bus...don't jump the line at a bus stop :)

[@jerryhorn4697]

I have visited both Montreal and Quebec City three times each and loved every moment! The wonderful Quebecois have always been very helpful and friendly towards me when I speak just a little elementary French. Now that I have moved to Vermont, the Quebecois are my neighbours! I can drive a short distance across the border to enjoy everyone and everything in Quebec!

[@timbacon7349]

My wife and I go to Montreal pretty regularly. We live in NY state. About 2.5 hrs south. We love Montreal. It’s by far our favorite city to spend time in. I’ve never had any negative experiences there. It’s just like traveling anywhere. Be polite. Ask the locals where to go, eat, etc… you’ll have a great time. Such a beautiful city.

[@claudelalonde1732]

Nice that you feel at home in Montréal, welcome back.

[@robertruffo2134]

Wonderful and thank you (I live in Old Montreal) Come back soon!

[@wesleysullivan8047]

I live in Maine and went to Montreal this past weekend. I have a similar experience to you and cannot wait to go back! Fantastic city.

[@freda9809]

OMG!!! You have no idea how much I appreciate this video. I was hoping to gain some perspective. I always try learning a few phrases and key sentences. I have a few travel phrase books (with phonetic pronunciations) that I plan to use when I travel outside the U.S.

[@STEMedu]

Love MTL 😍 Moved from Toronto 3 years ago. The people are gracious, warm hearted and welcoming. Learn a bit of French it's greatly appreciated even by the English speakers who have a genuine love for Quebec 🎉

[@serialclone]

I’m a Spanish teacher and that last point is super important. My family is from Spain so people assume that I’m teaching the class “real Spanish.” If two people speak to each other and they are, for the most part, mutually intelligible, they’re speaking the same language. It doesn’t matter if they’re from different countries. So thanks for pointing that out.

[@9grand]

Well said , many of these tourist do speak Anglo American and not R.P english

[@letsgoheyho]

Nobody hates tourists in Montreal , unless you're rude and violent. This is a nogo. Montreal is by far one of the most chill and tolerant cities in North America.

[@walkingeverywhere4k831]

Amazing Video, hilarious and informational at the same time!!! 👌👌👌😍 Thank you very much for sharing!! Greetings from Barcelona 👍❤☺🇪🇸

[@woltersworld]

Thanks so much!

[@e815usa]

As an American who visits Montreal frequently, this is a great video! I try to act and behave more like a local when I visit, and I believe it has helped me fit in. I also learned basic conversational French which has also helped.

[@MissCookiiie93]

I am a longtime fan of your channel and I am also a Montréal native. All of what you're saying is true. I'm so happy you came by! Wishing I can meet you one day

[@rodjones117]

Apart from the specific stuff about language and independance, most of this could apply to any city anywhere.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Joyeux Noël Wolters World Family! Wishing you all the best holiday season!

[@terryomalley1974]

As a Montreal native (my avatar is the city's flag), I commend you on your advice tips. Excellent! Those are all definitely topics of conversation to about in MTL. Thank you. Love your content!

[@Subbacultcha100]

Hey Mark, great video. The Habs went to the cup final in 2021. They also have the most championships in the league at 24 cups.

[@yyzed2112]

@Subbacult Right? I noticed this too...Montrealers hating the Habs?! SO wrong. 24 Stanley Cups, fans don't forget. We have appropriate, intense reactions ANY season when they don't win. It's unnatural! lol In '21, it was like everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, back to reality.

[@Jimbodisfan]

For the uninitiated, "Habs" is short for "Habitants", which loosely translates from the French as "homeboys". ;)

[@aaronhurst4379]

Merci, I was wondering why the team had that nickname!

[@Jimbodisfan]

@@ashjones7297 Historically the Canadiens have been the most successful NHL team, having won at least a record 26 Stanley Cups, but they haven't been that good over the past decade or so.

[@Jimbodisfan]

@@aaronhurst4379 Je t'en prie (You're welcome in French)

[@timmmahhhh]

I was there in 1987, prepared to speak French. People speaking French to each other got a look at me and said "can I help you" in English. Maybe my attire as a college student gave me away, I don't know. I also saw a cyclist slam into a pedestrian and the two then fought it out. Architecturally, Moshe Safdie's Habitat '67 is very inspiring to me.

[@Gomba13]

Nah, it's not what you looked like that prompted people to speak to you in English. It's that Quebecers are used to being required to speak English by the rest of Canada and to being bashed if they don't, so to avoid any trouble, they tend to just switch to English. Historically, the rest of Canada has been openly racist towards Quebec and they were never properly called out for it, in part because the majority of the rest of Canada does not recognize Quebecers as a nation, so the fallacious reasoning is that it can't be racism if the target is not a distinct nation. It's kinda like the dude who beats his wife but refuses to divorce her. Luckily the more intelligent among people in the ROC are above the bashing and there are even some who have the courage to call out the bashers. Unfortunately, being the minority means they don't have enough clout to really have an impact. So they just move here instead and live mostly in English, but they make sure to learn proper French and use it when they are around francophones, which is how it should have always been. Yeah, not your fault, not your business and you shouldn't have to deal with it. I'm just explaining the phenomenon.

[@soulscanner66]

@@Gomba13 The Quebecois are the best treated minority in the world.

[@renaudhobden4236]

@@soulscanner66 Anglophone in Quebec are the best minority treated in the World.

[@soulscanner66]

@@renaudhobden4236 No, the Quebeecois are. Remember, the Quebecois are a minority in Canada and we protect them well. There are not many minorities in the world that can legally ban the use of the language of the majority in the workplace.

[@dez7800]

@@soulscanner66 The region was french before it had any english settlers, and the english colonisers treated french canadians like shit for about 2 centuries. They could've treated them worst, but to say the quebecers were and are protected is the biggest lie I've ever heard ! The english tried to assimilate french canadians from the conquest to about 1867 and the reason why we still are french is mostly because of the patriots that fought for the rights of their fellow french canadians, not because of english ''protection'' of some sorts. I think you probably don't know the full story by saying what you did... You might want to check out ''Speak white'' by Michèle Lalonde, incredible poem. In the 1960s French canadians were discriminated at levels similar to afro-americans, completing in average 10 years of education vs 11 for afro-americans and making 51% of the average english canadian whereas afro-americans made 54% of the white americans. So English people in Quebec might be the best treated minority in the world, as they went from the dominant minority to the most cattered to minority later, not quebecers.

[@GHOSTVAPOR]

You Sir are a Legend !! Its just common sense . but huge thanks for reminding to the ones who need. Trying French. Will grant you Respect instantly. ❤

[@anthonyf.9457]

Been there twice and going one more time soon. One of my favorite cities in the world. Love Montréal. Go Habs Go ❤️🇨🇦

[@katesleuth1156]

Also, there are restaurants where you are allowed to bring your own bottle of wine. I think these are popular places where you might find lineups. Research the restaurants that offer this & when to eat to avoid lineups.

[@LeoFtravels]

Oh man, I was just there and Quebec City. 😍😍😍

[@woltersworld]

Quebec City is incredible

[@fayseldifficile5618]

Videos well made and educational.

[@mkraulis]

In addition to the escalator thing, when you go into a confined space with other people, like a bus or subeway, take off your back pack. I've seen people clobbered when the back pack wearer does a quick turn to look at something.

[@Omgcutetings]

Some great tips! I think I'll do great when I visit in a couple of months. I've traveled to other cities that have that similarities where everything is either fast or you gotta know what you're ordering 😂 or else you stick out or hold up a line.

[@buzzymodes2818]

Watching this from Montreal this morning 😊

[@michaelcannon128]

Great Info❤️😃

[@woltersworld]

Thanks for watching!

[@karenjordan5731]

Great video!

[@hxxxkxxx1129]

After visiting a friend in New York, I went for the first time to Toronto and Montreal. In Montreal, I constantly compared the two cities. I didn't know about the competition between the two. But Montreal wins by far for me. I arrived and it felt like home. And to experience that people are French native speakers and still are super nice people. That surprised me as a European 😀

[@GeorgeVassis]

Yes Montreal is very socialist and corrupt, just like Europe.

[@nadaadecirr]

From a native from Montreal, I am more offended by a local who speak only english to me, than a tourist who say Bonjour, I am tourist sorry I don't speak french. I am more likely to continue the conversation with the tourist, about what to see, where to go. It's all about perspective...

[@FulvioGa]

Really interesting! 👍

[@markmiller3682]

Interesting perspective I’ve gotten from Montreal folks is that they will ascertain where you are from when you speak English…and very quickly know if you’re American or Anglo Canadian. Let’s just say they generally like Americans a little better 😄

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@SilvershoresRecords]

Most of these points are deeply rooted in Quebec's culture. That being said, I don't get offended speaking about it since we need to define ourselves and move from the 90's. And having those discussions with people around the world would help. So don't be shy if you are curious. But for the love of everything that is good... Tip your waiter! ;)

[@aidenpearce4409]

First advice applies to any major city. NYC, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, LA

[@joannamcpeak7531]

Good advice!

[@erichebert1916]

Pretty spot on my friend. You can also add when stoping at a red light stop before the pedestrian crossing. Never block the pedestrian. I saw pretty ugly thing happen when it happen. Not every time but it can pissed off the wrong people.

[@stevenj2380]

I hope things have not changed (as much it has at home in NYC), since I was last there in 2017, a fine visit.

[@carlop.7182]

and welcome back anytime. Have a nice day.

[@GeorgeVassis]

Well the Quebec province has introduced in 2022 a new tougher language law in the hopes of completely eradicating the disease, the 'irritant' they call 'the English language' aka Bill 96. Because of this even-more-racist language-law, to "preserve the french language" by removing rights from english speakers only, give the language police even more prosecuting power. I am boycotting anything quebec and boycotting especially the french language in protest of this racist law and I am from Montreal.

[@sams3015]

Great. I’m hoping to move there next year

[@jinjysbro]

As an American who lives in Québec but outside of Montréal, I want to add two tips: 1. Please do not think that the rest of Québec is like Montréal. Montréal is more bilingual and diverse where most of the rest of Québec is French-speaking only (aside from a few small exceptions). 2. As well, please refrain from calling the locals "Canadians" or "French-Canadians", they would prefer Quebeckers or Montrealers for those who live in Montréal. This has to do with the whole Québec independence thing so I would avoid it if possible.

[@Gomba13]

About French Canadians, it's not a matter of preference. It's that if you are a Quebecer, you cannot be a French Canadian. A French Canadian is a francophone from OUTSIDE of Quebec. I know, many people ignore that they exist, which is why their linguistic rights are systematically violated and why it is so easy for governments to cut the funding to their educational and health care services. Which is systemic racism, but I digress.

[@jinjysbro]

@@ashjones7297 Haha no they wouldn't. I think what South Park did get right though was the pride for where they're from.

[@penelop96]

I don’t know where you’ve been outside of Montreal but I’d wager you can find people who speak English in any town that has a college (CEGEP) in it; which is a lot more than “a few small exceptions”.

[@jana.200]

@@penelop96 yeah, but going to groceries store, restaurant, almost doing anything that needs customer support, you will not be sure to have someone speaking english and not everyone in cégep speak fluent english (there's different classes depending on your level and someone with no base in english will do the classes in the same time, just in a lower difficulty and when leaving the cégep will only have the base). I'm from Québec and at my work place, I'm one of the only bilingual person, even my manager don't speak english. So yeah, if you don't speak french, depending where you are, you might have a rought time.

[@danieldoucette306]

I spent 5.5 months around the MTL area ( in St. Jean sur Richelieu to be exact ) and all I have to say is knowing a few words and phrases in French will make things a million times easier and also the Island is mostly English but it is appreciated. Also with le mouvement de séparation it's the same as anywhere you travel to and unless you live there it's none of your business and stay out of it.

[@JustBcozx84]

noticed on my first trip to Montreal last month that if I just said "bonjour" they would launch into french (which I try but speak very little of), if I said "Bonjour, Hello" that would signal to them that I would prefer English and would be more accommodating than if I just started in English.

[@thomascook578]

Toronto/Montreal is like the rivalry between Glasgow and Edinburgh

[@goalie604403]

This video is awesome like other Walter's World productions.....One thing that drives us nuts and its not only a Montreal thing is Americans that ask for their change back from USD also in US Dollars....expecting everywhere to carry full US currency at all times....? Many Canadian places will accept your US Dollars as a courtesy but that's it....Can you even wildly imagine a Canadian in the US getting their change back in Canadian dollars.... let's just say we d be laughed out of town........

[@BillGreenAZ]

I notice that you mentioned a "hockey jersey". Do they correct you in Montreal and call it a "hockey sweater" as some do call it?

[@maryrosed8475]

I was in Montreal as a student back in 1974. Now in my 60's we are planning to make a return visit next year. I can imagine I will not recognise it. We stayed in Point Claire on the West Island.

[@41italia]

you will not recognize it at all. there are so many people in the west island now, condo buildings everywhere.

[@maryrosed8475]

@@41italia Yes so I believe. Fairview Shopping Mall is still there.

[@41italia]

@@maryrosed8475 it is there, it has just been renovated

[@KissaLintu]

About speaking french, when I do that, they start talking to me and I don't understand a thing. So better let them know that I don't speak French instead of making them repeat information twice.

[@camgenet]

As a Montrealer, I appreciated your video. The last point got to me. Even if we are a French-based province, we are not like the french from France. We have our own culture and our own way of speaking. Thank you for speaking about it. My personal opinion: we are not well represented in series or movies, which makes some people think that the French and Quebecers are the same. Anyway, we are kind and welcoming in Montreal. But stay away from the C*** de bike lane. ;)

[@9grand]

Yes , as if American should be like British because they speak english

[@GeorgeVassis]

Yes exactly. Quebec has many cultures and many languages. This is stolen land after all. You should understand that it is now shared land in 2022, and bill 101, bill 21, bill 96 should be abolished and human rights for anglos should be restored.

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis Human right ? Lol that is why they have not been yet challenged by people like you ? Lol . In It Québec right approuved by Canada. Just learn the Canadian constitution darling !

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis The only official language of Quebec is french. MERCI Canada

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis Québec have many languages and culture. But the only official language with all thevrights is french .Merci Canada.

[@Gomba13]

I am making a separate comment about tipping. First and foremost, people who are expected to earn tip (service people like restaurant staff but also cabbies, hairdressers, nail artists, bell boys, room service, pub staff and the like) earn a slightly lower minimum wage than the rest of us, and the government adds 8% to their declared taxable income, that is, if you earned a hundred bucks in salary, you are taxed on $108. The actual tip isn't taxed, only, the government assumes you got 8% tip. That's why it's important to tip. Tipping is not mandatory. If you are unhappy with the service you got (and not with the product-the waiter is not responsible for the quality of the food), you can tip less than the customary amount or not at all, depending on how bad the service was. This is how people who are rude to customers or careless learn to get better at their job, although another option is to tip the customary amount and comment to the employee (and not to their manager) about your disappointment and offer constructive feedback (do it quick because other customers are waiting). If you are satisfied with service, tip fifteen percent, which is the customary amount. If you think you got excellent service, tip 18 to 20%. If you are overjoyed, by all means, if you can afford it, tip anything above that. Be kind to people who seem to be new, tip the customary amount either way in their case, excellent service takes a bit of time to master. To know how much tip to leave without having to use a calculator, know that the taxes on a bill are the equivalent of the customary tip, so either subtract the net total from the final total to get the tip amount, or add the two taxes shown on the bill (federal tax and provincial tax, or GST and QST). If you want to tip more than the customary amount, add more money to the resulting amount. As far as I'm concerned, people who demand tip, suggest a precise amount of tip or demand more than they were given don't deserve any tip, but to each their own. Prices displayed don't generally include tax, so expect to pay at least 30% more than the price displayed, that is 15% tax and 15% tip. So if your meal comes out to $100, be prepared to relieve yourself of at least $130.

[@Mercure250]

As someone from this province, currently living in Montréal, this is a very good video. I will say, I'm personally more lenient towards tourists when it comes to learning French; it's not so much that I don't like people speaking English, it's more that if you try to speak a little French, that will show you care about our culture and it will be appreciated. See it as a positive you can add, rather than removing a negative. I'm more upset about residents insisting on using English, but that's another story. However, the last point : YES. ABSOLUTELY. We already have plenty of Parisians snobbing our accent. We don't need English speakers doing the same. In fact, there is historical precedent of English folks in the past saying our way of speaking is a bastardisation of the French language and that we do not have a culture, as a justification to assimilate us. Trust me, you do not want to sound like those assholes.

[@dez7800]

''Speak white''...

[@goodquestion5617]

About the tipping, servers' tips are taxed by the government. 15% will help out alot.

[@TheJesusofSuburbia79]

There is no competition, Montreal is hands down better than Toronto. I used to live in Montreal and I currently live in Toronto and I can tell you the quality of living in Montreal is so much better. More green space, better food, safer cycling, more appreciation for the arts and creating pretty spaces, and just an overall less stressful commute and living experience. And most importantly the best croissants and pastries that are always fresh, well made and do not break the bank. Alati Caserta has this chocolate mousse dessert and this passion fruit tart that I think about every day and Le Pain dans les voiles combined a chocolate croissant and an almond croissant which is now my new favourite thing and I sadly haven't seen any other bakery do it 😭

[@milhouse7145]

The speak French tip is overrated in downtown/old Montreal/West Island, many locals in these areas don't speak French either. Outside of these areas speaking a bit of French does go a long way.

[@nataliapierna9985]

In Quebec, The government calculates 10% of a waiters/bartenders sales and collects taxes on that (tip) money. Busboys, the house, hosts also demand a percentage of the waiters sales, usually about 5-8%, depending on where you work. When you don't tip in Quebec, you are literally forcing your waiter to pay to serve you. Did I mention that waiters in Quebec make a fixed hourly wage that is below minimum wage. This is why working for tips is much like indentured slavery.

[@Barbanellier]

Love your videos, always informative! Now as a Quebecer myself, I had to chuckle at "Montreal is a French speaking city", because it is a common complaint in the rest of Quebec that "no one speaks French in Montreal anymore". I guess it's all about perspectives 😁

[@BehindThatSuit]

English Montrealer here, it's cuz it's so localized. Like if you are in parts of Montreal the French kind of disapeears then you cross this invisible barrier and realize hmm this is no longer English parts of town.

[@carlop.7182]

exact, except separatists and hardcore nationalists, not many people in Montreal see language as a big issue--most of us mix both in the same sentence.

[@aaronwright7266]

Montréal is a bilingual city even if French is the "first" language. If you start off with just bonjour, be prepared for people to speak to you in French. If you start with hello, they naturally speak to you in English. Outside Montréal is different. But in Montréal, vast majority are fluently bilingual and have no issue with English.

[@acchaladka]

I work for the city and trust me, we dislike the province sometimes but nowhere near as much as they dislike us. Mostly we have real issues like health care bureaucracy, and couldn't care less about language.

[@emiriebois2428]

@@carlop.7182 No need to be a hardcore nationalist. Most people are bilinguals in Montréal but still think french should be the lingual franca . Try to be served in french in english Canada

[@DaeveMc]

The reason we have to tip is because the waiter's/waitress salary are under minimum wage because they get tipped...

[@a.ghostwriter]

I tried to speak what little French I knew and embarrassed both myself and the bartender. They were cool with me about speaking English. Tipping is the universal language.

[@danboy3818]

Montréal under construction since 1965 🤣🤣🤣 Btw, never use the % of tips propose on the credit machine. They are adding the % on top of the total price with tax, when we should add the tip, ex 15%, on top of the price before tax and not after tax.

[@carlop.7182]

Thanks for your video--pretty accurate list. For language, basic french use is always appreciated, but most people here are bilingual, so unless you run into a hardcore intolerant nationalist, that won't be too much of an issue--French may help making contacts & friends also. We also often use frenglish, who is a mix of both languages in the same sentence, so don't be surprised by that. It's pretty common here. Just tell us if you don't understand & we'll try to accomodate you as best as we can. Using good manners and staying polite will be much more helpful than french. Especially if your french level is not too good. But give it a try, it could be fun for both locals & tourists. Have a nice day

[@9grand]

Hard core Nationalist ? René lesvesque was bilingual. You are victim of your prejudice ! Lol

[@Cruisetravelers]

I’m pretty sure that the stopping in the middle of the sidewalk thing is universal. No matter what city, country, town, etc, if you stop in the middle of the sidewalk regardless of the reason, that will piss people off. Lol

[@Gomba13]

Okay, but in Montreal, it might piss people off enough that they will actually let you know some way. I tend to. I will "accidentally" bump into them, or if I really need to pass them, I will not be overly careful of avoiding to bump into them. I think this is still better than getting verbal about it.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

We were honked at with North Carolina tags, but other than that it was an OK trip. If you can park at the hotel and take the Metro, you will have a better trip.

[@VictorPaixao4fun]

Agreed with everything except the last topic, of course I didn't say they don't speak real French, but when I asked them if there are too many differences between Quebequois French and French in France we had some good loud laughs by seeing how embarrassing it could be if you pronounce some of their words in France and Vice-Versa. Lovely place and people there!

[@twalsh29]

I can’t imagine people missing a chance to commiserate about road construction.

[@woltersworld]

oh it is soooooooooo bad in montreal

[@BehindThatSuit]

I don't know if this is a Montreal or a Quebec thing but we super weird about Poutine. People wildly eat "poutine" and try to impress us. It's probably not real poutine to us.

[@mayaxxx]

OMG YOUR IN MY CITY!

[@mayaxxx]

you should come by beginning july for the festivals especially the jazz festival! montreal at its best!

[@pedrom.7838]

Just visiting. Upsets the locals

[@nicolaspel]

Tellement vrai!

[@miriamzajfman4305]

Today you are in my city . We do LOVE !!! Tourists here 💖. We have a lots of things to show that we are proud of . You will find European influence - American style 😉👌

[@francoisbouchard9488]

I was born in Montreal, but grew up in northern Ontario (lots of little French speaking communities up there). Montreal is my favorite city in Canada, by a country kilometer. Living in Northern California now, but if I ever do move away (why? it's so nice and warm here :-) I would def choose Montreal. But anyway, don't think you need to worry too much about offending the locals. Everyone is pretty chill there, and not just because of the weather LOL.

[@GeorgeVassis]

Did you leave Montreal, Quebec because of the racist quebec nationalists? The language police and anti-english language laws? Francophones in the rest of Canada do not get prosecuted like us anglophones in Quebec do. Everyone is leaving Quebec. Immigrants arrive and then after two years move west to Ontario ro Alberta because Quebec is so racist.

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis When are you leaving Montréal?

[@GeorgeVassis]

@@9grand When are you returning to France, your ancestoral homeland for good?

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis France ? victime of your prejudice ? Who said I had french ancestry .lol i just have learned that in Rome do as Romans do .and in Québec french is the only official language. Lol

[@9grand]

@@GeorgeVassis You are th one having problem with Québec, not me lol. Thank you to contribute to the bill 101 and office de la langue française through your taxes. Lol lol.

[@baddreams1436]

what's the French words for excuse me? LOL I will take these points into consideration if I visit.

[@gimmedavidb]

Wolter, you got your graphic wrong at the beginning of the video. It should read "Stand on the right".

[@victorjr9341]

Très intéressant

[@DagNabbit-99]

I visited Montréal with my mom a few years back, it was a mixed bag of interactions. Most folks were super chill and nice, but a select few mad dogged me and my mom for no reason. More so on the elderly crowd. I tried to speak French, but I failed miserably, some really appreciated the effort haha 😅 Love this city but I low key wished I did more research before visiting! Your video is great and helps a lot.

[@9grand]

feeling granted that everybody should be able granted can be considered to be rude . That 's what may happened . Our normal may not be universal . That is why it is called à cultural gap.

[@gaylebanks7533]

That’s a lot!

[@Samkitesurfing]

Merci pour cette vidéo! Thanks for this great video and your respect for french. Always great watching you!

[@GeorgeVassis]

What about respect for English in Montreal? Abolish bill 101 and Bill 96. When will Quebec stop prosecuting the anglophones for putting english commercial signs? This is shared land.

[@Samkitesurfing]

@@GeorgeVassisMy comment is really positive. Your comment screams negativity and anger. I learned english and I’m trying to learn spanish right now. All languages are beautiful, why not learn french and have more fun? Much love my little persecuted english speaker 😂❤

[@simonrancourt7834]

We speak French the way it was spoken at Louis the XIV's court.

[@GeorgeVassis]

Nope. You french Canadians that still occupy my Quebec province speak a terrible made-up language that isn't french at all, but instead joual. Example: instead of saying or writing oui, you guys say 'wayyy'.

[@emiriebois2428]

@@GeorgeVassis Unless you speak R.P english your english is not better . The pot is calling the kettle black .lol

[@roadside8230]

@@GeorgeVassisYou smell like a bot.

[@Cris-ky1mq]

C'est une belle fresque sur le mur, un beau coq fier et coloré 🐓

[@andreamalloy6266]

I feel like stopping in the middle of the street or on the escalators and blocking people is a universal no no- that kind of thing could get you shanked in NYC 😂

[@woltersworld]

Oh yeah. In NYC for sure!! 😀

[@curious1264]

Bike lanes and escalator courtesy is a GLOBAL thing not just Montreal. Drives me insane at airports or malls when people block the way. Pierre Trudeau brought in the bilingualism so that everything in Canada has to be in two languages.

[@yh-ir3op]

La langue officielle au Québec est le français.

[@curious1264]

@@louisecote3542 we live in BC and yes everything you buy is in two languages, everything from any government agency is in two languages. Menus, and store signage is in English. I don't know about school children now, but it was mandatory to take french in grade school also.

[@GeorgeVassis]

@@louisecote3542 Quebec government must provide services to us anglos too in English.

[@roadside8230]

@@GeorgeVassisAnglo Québécois can reach any english service they want, What are you talking about ?????

[@missj.4760]

Don't drive in the center of Montreal. Roads are all closed or in repair and you will need a PhD to understand the parking signs. Just don't drive. Your stay will be much more enjoyable and you will not upset the locals. Win win!

[@tommymiddlefinger1283]

Most people don't care but some hardcore 'language enthusiasts' might take issue with tourists having a LOUD conversation in not-French.

[@livingdays8706]

I got easier hotel access, got last minute reservation, and got laid… all because I spoke decent French in Montréal

[@eiramn]

Born and raised Montrealer, I can attest.

[@danielletanguay9279]

Montrealer who live now in UK…do not block bikes lane anywhere!In London, you may finish at the hospital! 😉

[@missj.4760]

Locals actually get very frustrated by all blocked roads but also make fun of it.

[@mattjames112]

Something I've thought about when in Quebec, should you ask if they speak english before speaking or just start speaking english? I feel like asking is kind of obnoxious, but I also have a habit of making too big a deal about these things in my own head.

[@sammexp]

Just start speaking English. Or ask, Parlez-vous Anglais? But don’t shout SPEAK English! Or English, please!

[@carlop.7182]

I understand what you say. The language conflict here lasts since decades, usually, not many people will be angry if you talk in english first, but as everywhere, you may bump into an a**hole once in a while. In stores, most clerks will greet you with bonjour-hi !--and will use your answer to decide in which language to serve you. Keep in mind we also have lots of immigrants, so you could hear many different languages as well. In Little Italy's cafés and restaurants, you'll mostly going to be greeted in 3 languages. Same for Chinatown or other districts. In some places, it's common to hear 3-4 different languages in the same sentence--just keep it fun & everything will be fine.

[@9grand]

It is called the english privilege attitude!

[@carlop.7182]

@@9grand no--just the fact that Québec in general is french, but Montreal is bilingual, and even multilingual--some people don't like, it's their choice, but those who don't like usually stay in their villages. There is no privilege, only mutual respect between several linguistic communities.

[@9grand]

@@carlop.7182 It is not because they are a lot of bilinguals that makes a city bilingual. If not Montréal would be a least trilingual . The only official language of Montréal is french !

[@mcintda]

None of these are real issues! I'm a Montrealer myaelf, we are not bothered by any of this..

[@markvogel5872]

Tip hotel housekeeping a few bucks per night too.

[@vermontmike9800]

As a Vermont driver, I find it ironic that Quebecers are irritated that people stand on the left of the escalator.

[@chrislim7976]

As a visitor I also would like not to be asked for a cigarette all the time. I also would like an actual non smoking hotel room, not an ashtray with beds in it. Montreal...😂

[@marie-francegiroux7990]

as a francophone from Montreal : you NAILED it !

[@GeorgeVassis]

Well he did forget to mention that English speakers are harassed by the language police and often prosecuted if they display an englsih sign. We anglos have to pay fines or even face jail time. Very racist of the Quebec government don't you think so?

[@roadside8230]

@@GeorgeVassisOntario & New Brunswick have been diminishing their french services to the point where they reversed migration within them and Québec. Its not racism! People here care about language! We dont give a damn about race. The whole province has been resisting linguistically for the last 300 years ; Your comments wont change that, especially with the stories our grandparents tell us from the anglo community telling them to speak “white” referring to english.. Get onboard or leave. Vivre le Québec!

[@andeeharry]

The roadworks are a menace, they will bring out the worst in people. Construction Rage. I heard that Quebec and Montreal are planning to go Independent, not sure if they did or not. Sorry for not keeping up with anything

[@GeorgeVassis]

Yes Quebec is still a s***hole. You're not missing anything unless you want to be prosecuted by the language police.

[@andeeharry]

@@GeorgeVassis thanks for that,

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

We are in 2023 . Not 1976

[@life_lab_chronicles]

"If you say it's not real French you look like a pompous prick." 🤣🤣 You should just tell it like it is and not sugarcoat things so much🙃

[@robertrenaud958]

I was born in Montreal. I left many years ago. I am now a US citizen. Based on this video I promise to not upset anyone there. In other words I promise to never visit Montreal.

[@kehidupankanada]

👍👍😁

[@nate2003030303]

If you walk in a store in Montreal and say Bonjour, they're going to assume you speak French😅. In Montreal most bilingual people in stores greet you with a bonjour/hi meaning if you proceed with Bonjour they'll assume you speak French but if you proceed with hi they assume you speak english

[@nursejoed]

I think they've actually outlawed the famous "Bonjour/Hi" as part of the province's campaign of language protection.

[@41italia]

@@nursejoed it's still the same. if you speak in english, they will respond in english.

[@LoganCharlesII]

But Toronto is so much fun though!

[@41italia]

not as fun as montreal, it has no soul.

[@ghostassoc]

@@41italiaCompletely not true at all. This is bullshit, there are so many cool neighbourhoods with great restaurants and creative spaces. A lot of musicians and artists in Toronto, like Montreal.

[@41italia]

@@ghostassoc it's nowhere near as nice as Montreal in terms of food and architecture and it's severely overpriced.

[@ghostassoc]

@@41italia Montreal is more aesthetically pleasing but Toronto has a lot of beautiful brick homes. Montreal is small and underwhelming. There’s much less to explore and not as many neighbourhoods with high streets or cool shopping areas like there are in Toronto. In addition, Toronto’s music and art scene is more plentiful and there are a lot of people blowing up in these scenes in Toronto. Toronto has more variety in terms of food and I find you can get the same kind of amazing cuisine in both cities, they both are a tie in this regard. Montreal wins on affordability and bike infrastructure.

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

I love ❤️ Montreal and what can upset 😡 some locals, it's when I will say the stolen land and fragile roads.

[@41italia]

the roads suck, i would prefer dirt roads. the traffic is awful too because of construction

[@Ahuntsicspotter]

@SeeNote Music I said fragile roads I mean vulnerable to the barricades because the indigenous people are blocking 🚫 them sometimes.

[@andrewbushby5972]

I cant speak for france and quebec but if your in england we speak english, in america they speak american.