Americans in Montreal
 

A group of my friends and I are planning a long weekend trip to Montreal in October and were curious about the attitudes of the locals towards Americans. None of us speaks French, but we are eager to immerse ourselves in the local scene for the weekend.

I had heard stories of people booing national anthems, anti-war demo's, etc., and was just wondering how well-received a group of American guys will be in Montreal.

Just curious...

You will have absolutely no problem. My wife and I visit Montreal and other parts of Quebec several times a year and have never encountered any anti USA experiences. It would be helpful however to bring along an English-French dictionary, as many signs, menus, etc are only in French. Montreal in particular is a true melting pot of all kinds of cultures - no one will care where you are from.

Montreal is one of the friendliest, most laid-back big cities you'll ever visit.
A lot of Montrealers, like a lot of Canadians, like a lot of people all over the globe, have difficulties with U.S. policies and the war, but RARELY direct it toward individual Americans.

I agree with the above responses; montrealers love the tourists and treat them well and will be helpful.

The only thing I may add (that might not apply to you) is the problem some bars have downtown with groups of young americans who come to take advantage of the low drinking age in mtl, 18......

Certain bars are favored by these groups of young people, hence the locals avoid them.

mitchdesj:

A point of clarification, we're a group of five gay friends who will most likely be going to the gay clubs, etc. Agewise, Brian Mulroney was around when I was an 18 year old, so no problem there.

Thanks.

Well, don't you worry. Some of the drag queens may say catty remarks about Americans at the clubs, but then again they say catty remarks about everybody at some point or another, so I wouldn't take it personally, really. Americans come to party in the Gay Village quite regularly; no one will blink. Come, have fun! Viens, amuses-toi bien!

Hi Aquaman!!!
for gay scenes...checks
WWW.FUGUES.COM OUR GAY MAGAZINE
AMERICANS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME, A LOT OF
AMERICANS COME TO MONTREAL EVERY WEEK-END, AND WE LOVE THAT...
ENJOY YOUR WEEK-END!!!

BRUNO & PIERRE

I've neither heard nor read any such stories. We visit Montreal several times a year and have never once experienced any anti-American activities of any sort.

Actually, no one is likely to notice, or care, that you are American. And, businesses are appreciative of your business without regard for who you are or where you're from.

For "immersing" yourselves in the local scene - head for Crescent between Maissoneuve and St-Catherine, or take the metro to Sherbrooke and walk northwest on St-Denis, for starters...

You'd think there would be designated "gay" areas, and there are, but limiting yourselves to those is just not necessary either.

Djkbooks:

Mostly what I've been hearing have been anecdotal - stories in the local media about tourists being confronted and the like... I don't know personally anyone who has experienced such things in Canada. I suppose that if someone goes somewhere looking for anti-Americanism, he'll find it regardless of whether or not it truly exists.

Thanks for allaying this very, very minor concern.

aquaman

In August, four of us flew to Montreal for a weekend fast trip, and had a very pleasant time. I'd meant to post a short report. In restaurants, on the street, in their Japanese garden, shopping, people couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. One of our group came down with a stomach virus, and the Ch. Versailles brought in a nurse, at no expense to us, and within ten hours she was up and out again with us seeing that lovely city. We felt at home, and if there was any anti-US feeling, we never experienced it. I'd say don't be concerned in the least. Canada is still our neighbor to the north.

I am planning to move to Montreal. I am receiving disability from SS. Is there some things about visas or the like I should be getting? Also, is my US income taxable in Montreal? I will keep a permanent US address as well.

Fushtube I reccomend you start a new post titled say US resident moving to Canada" and then you'll attract more of the people who can give you the answers you need.

I lived in Montreal for years and never noticed any serious problems directed at tourists. It is a very cultured, arty city. You will have a fantastic time. Make sure you go up the mountain at night to look at the city lights. October in Montreal is the best... have fun!

Hi aquaman!
I might have an answer for you here. Friends of ours, just returned from a weekend in Montreal.He and his partner travel extensively and have unfortunately had their share of unpleasant incidents in other countries regarding gays.
Yesterday we got the full description of not only every delicious morsel they ate in a couple of the really fine restaurants of Montreal, but a glowing report of how kind and friendly the people are, how not once were they treated in any way that was different from other visitors.
Not one anti-American or anti-gay remark was heard.
I always thought that this would be the case, but his stories assured me that Montreal would not disappoint anyone.
Have a lovely time. Bundle up, we go often in October and it can be quite chilly ~
Which hotel are you staying in? Do you have all your dinner reservations?

Thanks all for replying (and thanks to brodgers2 for the extra suggestions). Unfortunately, our plans to visit Montreal this autumn have been postponed. Some family obligations came up for me, so my friends decided they would rather spend the weekend visiting me here in Boston.

Perhaps next Spring, then?

Thanks again for the friendly suggestions,
aquaman