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!
Filmed in Montreal, Canada

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Copyright Mark Wolters 2022

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[alexlindquist]

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!

[albear]

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

[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 :)

[tb]

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.

[jerryhorn]

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!

[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.

[HereBeBarr]

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

[eusa]

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.

[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 🎉

[freda]

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.

[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.

[terryomalley]

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!

[rodjones]

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

[shaunconnolly]

Lifelong Montrealer here. Though I appreciate the attempt, almost nothing you said is accurate. Montreal is an easygoing place. There is no language issue here, almost everyone is bilingual. The service industry is happy to serve in both languages, just be polite and quick with your request. Also, vast majority of Montrealers are proud Canadians. You don't have to avoid any political conversation because Montrealers are informed, good debaters. Most of us are happy to talk politics as informed, calm and respectful citizens. We're also happy to talk about the Habs and Leafs rivalry, it's so one-sided that its a source of pride for us. Anyway, the french thing is not an issue in Montreal. It's an amazing island where everyone is happy to try in both english or french. Just remember, no right turn on a red light on the Island...that's the only thing you should be aware of. Otherwise enjoy the bars, the hockey, the arts and the views! It's the best city in Canada.

[Jimbodisfan]

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

[mr.severe]

Watched your videos for tips before going to Brazil and also in Europe, glad to see you making one for my city!

[charleshamel]

The last tip is SO on point. Texas and Britain speak differently but they speak English. Same with french, thanks for pointing that out! ❤

[honriburgeis]

Never had a problem. Easy warm hearted people. I love Montreal. The world needs to be like Montreal. Oh I'm a black mixed man

[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.

[anthonyf.]

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