concerns about atlantic provinces

The Texan wrote:

Sea Dog wrote:
The statement that no one in Quebec will talk English to you
is nothing but another myth.

If the person cannot speak English,
they will make every attempt to find
someone who can.

Then we must have been in the wrong towns, because we got the "no English" treatment a couple of times at small towns in Quebec, when we stopped to eat.

Oh it happens, not doubting it in the least. Quite frankly, I can speak both languages fluently, but you'll rarely hear me speaking French, even in Quebec. You can get a true sense of a business and the person serving you when they don't think you can understand them when they speak to each other in a language they don't think you know. I've walked out of a couple of places, but can hardly apply the experience across the entire Province. One should be able to function well enough using English only.

Raising your voice helps people understan Inglish.

The Texan wrote:

Sea Dog wrote:
The statement that no one in Quebec will talk English to you
is nothing but another myth.

If the person cannot speak English,
they will make every attempt to find
someone who can.

Then we must have been in the wrong towns, because we got the "no English" treatment a couple of times at small towns in Quebec, when we stopped to eat.

All I know is, we drove around the Gaspe peninsula,
about as far from major cities as one can get,
had absolutely no trouble with language.
We hit one CG where the older lady could not speak English, she went and got here daughter who spoke flawless English.

I have found that when greeted with Bonjour, if you smile and reply in English, good afternoon, you will have few problems.

If the Quebecers are treated like foreign rubes, they will not be overly friendly.
Something to remember anywhere in Canada!

Hi and welcome to Atlantic Canada;

Major credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express) are accepted just about anywhere. If you're travelling with Diners Club or some off brand card then acceptance might be a problem.

One place you will need cash is if you stop at any roadside stands to buy fresh produce or seafood. The stands are generally run by the farmers or fisherman supplying the product so they are not set up to accept electronic payments. They probably don't want a transaction record!!

In PEI they are so trusting that the produce stands aren't always manned. You take what you want and put your money in a coffee can they leave out for that purpose. Heck you can even make your own change! Kind of hard to use a CC or debit card there. I have only seen this self serve roadside stand idea in Atlantic Canada and Maine.

Cell coverage is wide spread and you would have to be well into the boonies to not have service. Most young people here don't bother with land lines anymore, they just use a cell phone for everything.

International roaming is expensive unless you make arrangements with your carrier before arriving here. Another option might be to use a SIM card designed for travel. Your phone needs to be unlocked for this option.

Wifi is available for free at the majority of private campgrounds. There is free public wifi in the parking lot at every MacDonalds, Tim Horton's, many shopping malls. In some cities there is free public wifi available in the downtown and commercial areas. Here in Fredericton you get wifi for free throughout the urban core and shopping districts.

Propane should not be an issue. Most campgrounds offer it, RV dealers and some gas stations. I suggest you fill your propane before entering Canada as it is far cheaper on the US side of the line. If you are here for no more than 4 or 5 weeks I can't imagine needing to buy more propane here.

Don't believe all the hype about the frozen north. We do get harsh winters but from June to Labour Day it is not too likely you will need your furnace at night.

We were out this past weekend and only used the furnace in the morning when we got out of bed.

Anyhow, come on up, enjoy your stay, have a great time. One trip here and we know you will be back.

The Texan wrote:

Sea Dog wrote:
The statement that no one in Quebec will talk English to you
is nothing but another myth.

If the person cannot speak English,
they will make every attempt to find
someone who can.

Then we must have been in the wrong towns, because we got the "no English" treatment a couple of times at small towns in Quebec, when we stopped to eat.

Had the same thing happen years ago when in Laval, QE for a trade show. My Canadian distributor, who was from London, ONT & I were "ignored" for about 45 minutes in the hotel restaurant. Went to a roadhouse down the road and they were glad to take our money, with a little basic English. That roadhouse got most of our business over the next 5 days.

SEA DOG: If you read my post, I never said "NO ONE in Quebec...." I said that once you get OUT OF Quebec City or Montreal....

In the small towns, the residents are very "nationalistic" about (what I would call)their "Frenchness" and refuse to speak English. (Not all, but so many...a definite minority.)

They DO know English....as mandated by the school system. To graduate high school, rudimentary English is required. Perhaps over the years, from not using English, they've forgotten it. But I don't think so. My opinion.

Sea Dog wrote:
The statement that no one in Quebec will talk English to you
is nothing but another myth.

If the person cannot speak English,
they will make every attempt to find
someone who can.

Then we must have been in the wrong towns, because we got the "no English" treatment a couple of times at small towns in Quebec, when we stopped to eat.

The statement that no one in Quebec will talk English to you
is nothing but another myth.

If the person cannot speak English,
they will make every attempt to find
someone who can.

Now Take Off, eh...

C-172-AV8R wrote:
Welcome to Canada. One of the best parts of this forum is being able to ask the question. We certainly like to cross border tease but that's what great friends do. One of the great things is being able to visit around a campfire discussing our differences and yet how much we are the same. Our core value's are pretty much bang on and yes we are a different country. Enjoy your visit Canadians are a friendly bunch but you will find they take it to a whole new level on the eastern side of this great country....Mike

If I can add to this, from the Unites States side of the border.

Nowhere in the world has two countries lived for so long in such harmony.

Thank you Canadian friends and neighbors.