Which areas of Canada are French speaking?

[trev]

One of the many destinations I want to get to eventually is Canada, but I was wondering which areas are mainly French speaking? Also, are most of the people in these areas bilingual or is it just like walking into a small corner of France?

As you might guess, I didn't do too well at French in school so English speaking areas are probably a better bet for me.

Cheers
Trev

[musicdisciple]

The main French areas are Quebec and northern New Brunswick. There are small French communities scattered around the country, mostly in the east. What cities are you planning to visit? You'll probably only encounter French in Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. You will always be able to find English speakers in cities.

[sunrise]

Quebec is probably the only place you will have any difficulties. Seven years ago we had language difficulties getting a meal and motel room on the Trans Canada Highway. And the signs are all in French too, its the law there. Enough French to ask for the basics and to be polite would be useful.

New Brunswick is officially bilingual. We never had any difficulties there.

Derek Andrews
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[BigBearAdventures]

Aha Trev

Non parlez francais eh!!!!! Well no worries you can go anywhere in Canada and practise some of your French if you want too. It could be fun to see how people would react. Speaking French for me is also a very difficult task. It is my worst language of all the languages I speak. Remember I discovered while travelling around the globe for 4 years on a bike that all you need is about 50 words. It is amazing, you can even tell jokes with such a limited vocabulary.
Main thing to remember is to have fun while travelling and it suppose to broaden your mind. So come on up to the big White North and meet Canadians in any language.

L.B.
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[Brenda]

Hello from New Brunswick, Canada

Quebec is an officially French speaking province where signage in French is a requirement under the provincial laws, however if you travel to Quebec City, the Old Quebec, you will find no problems being served in English as Tourism is a key sector in this section of the city.

New Brunswick is designated as bilingual which means we are a mix. The North Shore has a higher percentage of French Speaking population, but generally you will find that most perons can speak both languages in most of the areas.

Brenda
http://www.shipslantern.com
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[AC]

I think you will have a great experience in Montreal. In addition to being an amazing city, Montreal has a great mixture of bilingual (and multilingual) people, so you should not run into too many language barriers.

[fden]

St Boniface, a part of Winnipeg, Manitoba is also heavy French, but you will have no trouble. I lived in St Boniface for a while and go back often, and I speak no French. Most people, does not matter where you go in your travels, are very nice. But like everything else there are some who have an attitude and I am afraid those are the ones that you seem to remember. Have a good trip and enjoy.