Quebec City distaste of tourists?

I really want to take a trip to see Quebec City for a few days outside of a longer trip stopping at Burlington and Montreal. DH is adamant that the people there are rude and don’t want tourists, particularly Americans and he states his Canadian friends told him this. Does anyone know if this is true? We don’t know French but I would learn “I’m sorry I don’t speak French do you speak English” along with basic pleasantries(hello, goodbye, excuse me, I’m sorry, where is the bathroom...) is that not enough? I feel like he burst my bubble of a place on my bucket list. We would have to bring our younger children also.

Any experience?

Message edited 7/20/2018 3:11:15 PM.

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

I was in Québec City for 10 days in February. It was truly my most favorite trip of all time. I encountered not one rude person and everyone we spoke to in stores and restaurants spoke English to some degree.

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

Canadians are very friendly. I have not been to Quebec City, but I’ve been to Montreal. I did have one slight problem in that I was not in the mood to talk French one morning (my French is OK, but I was so hungover; this was about 18 years ago). The cashier at some food place talked to me in French and I said, yeah, English please. He got a bit offended, but said he was sorry and didn’t know.

They are usually quite friendly and polite. They also talk a lot! I would go and have a good time!

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

Oh and basic phrases:

Bonjour- good day (that is used until about 6 PM)
Bonsoir- Good evening and that is used at about after 6PM.
Bonnuit (used late at night and before going to bed)

I don’t speak French- ‘Je ne parle pas français’. Just say ‘parlez vous anglais?’ That’s a lot easier. If you use ‘vous’ they are very happy because it’s very polite.

Excuse me is Excusez (I them there is an ‘em’ in there; autocorrect keeps changing it on me) moi, but ‘Pardon’ works fine.

For the bathrooms, I always use “Ou est les/le (I’m unsure but just throw out a ‘lay’ pronunciation) WC?” (pronounced doob lay vay- say). You can also just say toilets. Just be prepared because they might have shared bathrooms.

Thank you is ‘Merci’

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

Just want to add that Canadian French is somewhat different from France French. Both of my children speak French and struggled a bit when communicating with French Canadians in Québec City and Montreal.

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

I've been to Quebec City and enjoyed it. I didn't find residents were anti-tourists.

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

Go and enjoy.
I wouldn't worry if the locals are rude or not. I'm sure they find Americans rude and crude.
Remember, you are bringing tourist money to Quebec.

Re: Quebec City distaste of tourists?

Quebec is amazing - gorgeous and friendly. Go and enjoy the sights and the food and art!! Didn't encounter any rude or American-hating people when I was there. I would go back in a second!