Heads up from Canada

[ARtraveler]

Now that I'm back in the States, I'll say it. I was treated as a guest by BRP employees and by people in the hospitality industry. I don't remember any other Quebecer being polite, kind or gracious in any way. It just goes to show rudeness can be in French as well as English, Canada as well as the USA.

I think it is a Quebec thing. If you don't speak French, you are not welcome. I noted the same thing when we visited in 1997. The police even dissed us when I tried to get directions to the Old City, where we had reservations at a quaint hotel, across from the square of the big famous one. And the first question we were asked when we went into the hotel: In his best Inspector Clousseau voice: Do you have zee reservation? Glad we did. :roflblack:

 

[geoshmo]

My wife and I were at the Homecoming and we're treated very well by everyone we encountered. Some of the staff in restaurants and gas stations knew little English but we found that they tried to understand us and I really felt welcome. This is not what I was expecting. I had never been to Quebec before but I look forward to returning.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Patti,

sorry T your experience was not the best, but I have to say that we were treated great by everyone. The people at BRP were exceptional, as were the hotel staff, but so was everyone. t gas stations, grocery stores, and even the laundry Matt. When you ryde a Spyder 3500 miles, you can't carry enough clothes for the trip. My wife and I had one resident give us the detergent for the wash, and others gave us change for the Washer. Of course we also met a nice couple from Arkansas that also assisted with change! Great people everywhere, if you have a smile on your face and treat them with respect!

 

[Av8er]

Still hasn't said what kind of problems he had with the trailer!!!!
I am sure everyone would like to know.

 

[MikeT]

I hope the hotels/motels have security camera's in there parking lots. Also, I hope that the local police do extra patrols thru the parking lots.
Deanna

Security cameras in the parking lots and extra patrols by local LEOs, or hired hotel security, is the ideal situation when any large gathering(rally, fest, homecoming, anniversary) of bikes/trikes rolls into a town near you. However, this is not the reality that many of us face when we attend these events. More than likely:
a. the security cameras are focused on the lobby area only, for obvious reasons.
b. hotel chains have budgets, and most times they choose to not have full security camera coverage, private security, or they have one person/car that covers multiple venues.
c. if vandalism/break-ins happen @a hotel, there is:
1. an absence of transparency regarding getting the information out @the hotel, other rally hotels, or by event organizers, if they were made aware.
2. don't expect the hotel to call the police/file a report because "they" don't want a "black eye" associated with them. That's an initiative to be taken by the individual(s) involved.
Now that Spyders have gotten more and more popular, this is the price owners pay. As many have said, safety and security is up to the individual.

 

[Trbayth]

Security cameras in the parking lots and extra patrols by local LEOs, or hired hotel security, is the ideal situation when any large gathering(rally, fest, homecoming, anniversary) of bikes/trikes rolls into a town near you. However, this is not the reality that many of us face when we attend these events. More than likely:
a. the security cameras are focused on the lobby area only, for obvious reasons.
b. hotel chains have budgets, and most times they choose to not have full security camera coverage, private security, or they have one person/car that covers multiple venues.
c. if vandalism/break-ins happen @a hotel, there is:
1. an absence of transparency regarding getting the information out @the hotel, other rally hotels, or by event organizers, if they were made aware.
2. don't expect the hotel to call the police/file a report because "they" don't want a "black eye" associated with them. That's an initiative to be taken by the individual(s) involved.
Now that Spyders have gotten more and more popular, this is the price owners pay. As many have said, safety and security is up to the individual.

When I made my reservation last year for the Comfort Inn in Drummondville, the hotel manager specifically told me there would be a security guard in the parking lot. When we arrived, the desk clerk repeated that and said they would be there from 10:00 PM to some time in the AM that I've forgotten. And there was.

 

[Netminder]

I think it is a Quebec thing. If you don't speak French, you are not welcome. I noted the same thing when we visited in 1997. The police even dissed us when I tried to get directions to the Old City, where we had reservations at a quaint hotel, across from the square of the big famous one. And the first question we were asked when we went into the hotel: In his best Inspector Clousseau voice: Do you have zee reservation? Glad we did. :roflblack:[/QUOTE

i do not think this is true, and depends on the area you are in. As for the police don't worry they diss us locals as well!:roflblack: As for Old Quebec, I have never had an issue being dealt with in my language (English) (except by as mention above the QPP) as it is a tourist area and it is to their benefit. I think it is an "everywhere thing" and depends on people more then any province or state.:thumbup:

 

[bscrive]

You are correct Netminder.

I have traveled all over Quebec and I have met some butt heads in my travels because I don't speak French, but I have met many more Quebecers that have welcomed us with open arms. The French people are very passionate and welcoming, but if you upset them they will not be nice back.

I think PrairieSpyder just happened to find some of the not so nice Quebecers, or maybe they were having a bad day.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

QUEBEC LOCALS

My experience was totally opposite from Patti's. I found the locals to be very friendly from the hotel clerks, gas station attendants, and restaurant waiters/waitresses. They would normally begin speaking in French, but when I spoke English they would quickly switch over. I also noticed that the locals in cars were very cordial if I had to change lanes. Most of the time they would stop and let me in. Certainly not like some of the drivers in NY, MA, CT and NJ!:yikes: All in all, I had a most pleasant experience and would love to go back.