Back from 3 weeks in Quebec

So here's the thing: I had written somewhere in this travel journal that Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins." Yodabee says that’s not true and adds:

I myself call the French "cousins"

But with that myself, isn’t it the exception that proves the rule—that generally, Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins"?

Did you get it? As far as I’m concerned: no worries [:)]

So here’s the thing: I’d written somewhere in this travel journal that Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins." Yodabee says that’s not true and adds:

I myself call the French "cousins"

With the myself, isn’t that the exception that proves the rule—meaning that generally, Quebecers don’t really like being called "cousins"?

Did you get it? As far as I’m concerned: no problem [:)]

I see you’re really splitting hairs here. End of discussion.

Hi there, I read your travel journal out of curiosity. For groceries, there are plenty at IGA Extra and also Metro Plus. Super C is cheaper, but if you're looking for specific products, the meat isn’t as nice. As for wine in grocery stores or at the *dépanneur*, it’s just for emergencies. BÙ wine is a good *dépanneur* option, but at the SAQ, you’ll find wines from all over the world—a great selection—but don’t bother looking for U.S. wines anymore; they’ve been pulled from the shelves. Quebecers are in love with Quebec City, even though there’s a bit of a "political" rivalry between Montreal and Quebec. Everything is more concentrated in Quebec City. In Montreal, you have to explore different neighborhoods, and our Old Montreal isn’t as prestigious as Quebec City’s. If you’re short on time, I’d recommend Quebec City first.

The term "cousins" makes me smile—I’m heading to France in September and can’t wait to set foot on the land of my ancestors, even though the exchange rate isn’t in our favor. I feel differently visiting France than when I visit other European countries. Just my opinion! Joanne

Hello I read your travel journal out of curiosity.

Thanks for your tips and observations. I’ve already done the trip, and I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to Quebec. But you never know!

Between Quebec City and Montreal, my opinion is very clear. Quebec City is way ahead, despite the summer mass tourism at least. Old Montreal with its made-in-China shops didn’t inspire me at all.

That said, I’m preparing a photo exhibit on the theme: Solitude and Vastness. The photos are the ones I took in Montreal. [;)]

Hi Michel, I’m really glad to see you enjoyed our charming city of Quebec, the Quebecois people, and your tour of the Gaspésie.

However, I’m stunned to read a post where more than 75% of the content is dedicated to criticizing international tourists you encountered over a 2,000 km journey in less than 3 weeks.

What did we learn from your trip? Absolutely nothing relevant that might encourage readers to visit Quebec! Oops, I almost forgot: *‘The Quebecois are wonderful in their hospitality and behavior toward tourists, especially French ones. But I’m excluding Montreal from that.’* What arrogance to make so many value judgments in just a few lines?

Do you recognize yourself here?: *‘And the French? Always the same! Whiners, grumblers, never satisfied...’*

As for us, my partner and I have biked over 5,000 km in France on our Pino tandem bike during long stays of 60+ days. Your country is magnificent, and contrary to the stereotypes we’d heard, every French person we met was extremely kind. We’ll be back in May/June to ride from Marseille/Gap/Millau/Clermont-Ferrand to Toulouse.

Pierre, from Quebec! PS: I held back from posting this comment publicly to spare your feelings.

Hi Mitch, Your travel summary is really interesting. Montreal, the controversial one—I’m a native Montrealer. I left Montreal years ago to raise my family. I rarely visit my sister because parking is a nightmare. If I had to pick a city, it’d be Quebec. I live in a small town of 10,000 people in the suburbs of Laval.

At first, poutine was just fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Bolognese poutine? Never tried it, yikes 😨 That reminds me of pizza—people keep adding more and more toppings. We even have Hawaiian pizza. When I went to France, the first time someone called me *cousine*, it felt weird. My ancestors are from France, so when people say *cousine*, I know it’s meant kindly.

I’ve visited your country about ten times, and you’re all so welcoming. I remember stopping at a gas station once and having trouble finding a hotel. A couple who were just getting off work told me to follow them and showed me the way. It happened to me twice.

I’m a bit hesitant about Montreal because, for me, the first impression often sticks. There’s something *too much* about Montreal. Maybe it’s a push for modernism that doesn’t quite mesh with its history. Quebec City is something else entirely. A beautiful sleeping beauty. [;)]

I loved Montreal—I found everything I love about big cities, but on a human scale. A modern, cosmopolitan city with great vibes, services, green spaces—basically, it’s my kind of place. I even considered moving there! What held me back was the winter... I can’t stand the cold or snow. Hoping to go back soon, but in the summer! 😊

I loved Montreal—I found everything I love about big cities, but on a human scale.

Human scale? Interesting. That said, if you loved the city, good for you. Everyone finds their own preferences in a city. [;)]

Hi Romain! What year did you go to Montreal? Did you get around by car?

in short, it's my city

Oh no! It's mine ...

Okay, fine, I’ll agree to share it—but not in winter, it seems? And yet:

She nestles and falls asleep so white in the shadow of the night She shivers wrapped in lace frost as the day awakens She moans under the caresses of the wind chasing her through the morning streets She sighs in the warmth of the deep earthen lights She smiles curled in the sun’s rays And as the day unfolds, you can hear the crystal of her laughter telling of the cold, the wind, the light, and the snow…

It’s winter, from evening to morning and morning to the end of the day, I live her and I love her

It’s Montreal, the Ice Beauty :)

Has it been a while since you’ve been to Montreal?

Hello, My last visit to this beautiful city was five years ago. Yes, I had a car, but I still prefer exploring cities on foot and using public transportation.

Hi, Dolma. What a beautiful, poetic description of this amazing city—Montreal! Except in winter, though I’ve never actually been there during the cold season. I’m replying from the Caribbean, where I’m spending a few months, far from Quebec’s winter chill.

Hi there! [:)]

So I’m not going to Montreal, but I do go to Montreal fairly often. And I still love this city just as much—I’ll never get tired of it.

We're definitely not on the same planet when comparing Caribbean winter to Canadian winter, that's for sure! [:)]

Hi there :)

Well, I’m not going to Montreal, but I do go in Montreal relatively often. And I still love this city just as much—I’ll never get tired of it.

I don’t have your way with words, so I write based on my linguistic, semantic, spelling, and grammar knowledge. And I don’t know much. Good for you if you love Montreal. I didn’t like it, and we won’t make a big deal out of it.

Hi there [:)]

Well, I’m not going to Montreal, but I do go to Montreal relatively often. And I still love this city just as much—I’ll never get tired of it.

I don’t have your writing talent, so I write based on my linguistic, semantic, spelling, and grammatical knowledge. And I don’t know much. Good for you if you love Montreal. I didn’t like it, and let’s not make a big deal out of it.

I’ve noticed that a lot of French people say *sur* for a city. Me, I say *à Montreal*. I like the expression *on ne va pas en faire un fromage*—we’d say *let’s not make a drama out of it*. In Quebec, expressions vary from one region to another. In Saguenay, if things are lying around the house, they say *ramasse tes cossins*. Some say *des traîneries* or just *tes affaires*. On another travel forum, if someone criticizes how a poster expresses themselves or their spelling, they get called out. All this to say that your *SUR* isn’t bothersome at all.

That's true... The extremes, even!

I'll happily admit that I can't stand the cold, and even Valencia (Spain) in winter doesn't satisfy me.

I reread your travel journal and picked up so many details about your trip—it felt like I'd seen the photos myself! I realize I'll have to plan another visit to North America and take advantage of how close I am, here in the Caribbean.

Wishing you more amazing adventures! !

Hi there,

I’m in the middle of planning a round trip this fall and I’m gathering ideas from fellow travelers.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.