English as a minority language – in Canada? Mais, oui! In some parts this is true, and if you’re going there you’d might like to brush 
up on your high-school French. First and foremost, there’s the fabulous province of Quebec, but French is also widely spoken in parts of Ontario (especially Ottawa) and New Brunswick. It’s also used in pockets of Newfoundland, though it’s dwindling fast in that neck of the woods.
So, French is a language and a cultural force to be reckoned with in Canada. Almost a quarter of all Canadians are native French-speakers, and unlikely ever to change.
Photo by David Paul Ohmer
Quebec is the “Frenchest” province of all. Its French speakers, their language and their culture are often referred to as Québécois(e) or, by their English-speaking counterparts, as Quebeckers. It's a seriously Francophone area. English is not an official language here. However, plenty of people speak it and you’ll certainly be able to make yourself understood. Montreal (which is, paradoxically, the cultural capital of English-speaking Quebec) is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world! So, yes, you can practise your language skills while you’re there.
The provincial capital, Québec City, is just fabulous. It's the only walled, fortified city in North America, and the French influence is everywhere – you really could be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived in Europe when you land here. Founded in 1608, it’s four centuries old this year and of course plans to celebrate the fact in style – so 2008 is a great time for a visit. You'll find some more information about the festivities here on the official web site of Québec City Tourism. 
Spend enough time this city to explore thoroughly; you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t. Vieux-Québec (Old Québec), with its cobbled lanes and 17th century stone houses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely NOT a place you’ll want to rush away from. In fact, it's the sole urban World Heritage Site in North America. The only way to see it is on foot – don’t even consider driving here – and a guided walking tour is the ideal introduction.
Photo by David Paul Ohmer
After that, you can explore at your leisure; most places are no more than half an hour’s walk apart. See the Citadel and Plains of Abraham; take the funicular from the landmark Chateau Frontenac down the Cape Diamond cliffs to the Lower Town and visit Petit Champlain, the oldest commercial district in North America - and that's just for starters. Yes, I could rave for hours about what to do in this city. It’s completely brilliant. The shopping and dining is excellent too. So my advice is: put Québec on your plans for 2008, and join the 400-year celebrations.
One last point. In case you’re wondering why there's a smattering of acute accents in this story, I had it from a normally reliable source that the province of Quebec is spelt without one, while Québec City is spelt with. But that's not always the case, as the Government of Québec official tourist web site proves! If you're not familiar with Quebec (or Québec!) this site is a good place to start gathering information.
Well, until my next post, au revoir!