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They just ask you to park in their corral with a nice roof for protection and gaz available, so their fancier patrons won't have to see the iron laying around the entrance, then those fancier patrons can walk down to the corral and hop on their rental fleet of skidoos, so tout e bon! X2 on the exertion aspect of hiking, I'm in no condition to exercise, but it sounds pretty frickin awesome!

You never know exactly what is going on in other people's heads. You have no idea what that persons problem could have been that day - doesn't excuse it just could be any thing other than you. The first time we traveled to Quebec I asked who ever would listen if they preferred we try to speak their language poorly or just be polite in english. Universally they said they preferred that we try to speak French. I am not fluent but I learned a lot of French solely for traveling to Quebec for snowmobiling (it helps in France and Martinique too). When a language is not your native lang, speed is a killer and although I know a lot of French I do not speak it everyday and its hard for me to have a full on conversation. Speaking some French opens some doors. Some times it doesn't matter. I would say I've never been to Quebec without feeling the cold shoulder at least once, I didnt say Nasty just not welcoming. BUT largely, by far, the people are kind and helpful especially in situations where you need help. I blew a trailer tire on my first ride up and I walked into Canada tire in Chicoutimi and asked a young guy if he spoke English - his response was Fuckin-A whadaya need man? I have also seen a lot of times that locals will want to practice their English with us. The language barrier can be frustrating at times for both sides but to me its part of the fun and appeal of going to Quebec, until it isn't.

I have been going to the Saguenay for 35 years. I speak no french. I have only had one instance that I have had someone get nasty with me. That was in 2000, my first year of spending the winter in Quebec. I was sitting in the bar of the Delta, Holiday Inn, with one of the train engineers, who spoke both French and English. The guy to his right started ragging on me about coming to Quebec for 16 years and not being able to speak French. He said it 3 times, the 3 time the train engineer turned and spoke French to him, the guy ot up and left. I asked him what did you say to him. His reply was " If you don't shut your mouth I'll know you right of this f*** bar stool. Never saw the guy again. I have eaten in the reataurant in Faladeau several times and not encountered any problem. When I started going here in 1984 probably 1 in 20 people spoke english, now it's probably 1 in 5.

We'll never master the English Language le alone French in my family, and Pat and Gary just Butcher the English Language!!! LOL. GutZ

Most times it’s a matter the french speaker being intimidated and shy. Many more people than you think understand english quite well if you speak slowly. You would be surprised to know there are many who can understand what you are saying so be warned. Responding to you in English is a whole different story. Those who travel alot obviously have had more exposure to english and therefore are a bit more comfortable “practicing” their english with you. This is not the case for most here and most may know some english but are very shy to try to speak it as they very rarely do so. Being here almost 8 1/2 years now its a difficult language “french” and I do just fine but it’s surely not easy to master(i doubt I ever will). As far as the article the argument has been going on for years and I understand they want to keep their culture intact “i get it.” But for business and travel it certainly would benefit most to have more english skills. That being said it’s not gonna change anytime soon. The kids take english in school (trust me mrs Ice teaches english here) from elementary through high school. However they don’t use it and as with any skill with no practice you will be bad at it or not be able to do it at all. Some tips... 1 speak slowly 2 one person speak at a time 3 encourage the people who do speak some english and tell them thank you for trying Merci Bonsoir

Exactly. Most of the time we get the waitress or waiter apologizing for not speaking better english. Which I think is funny because we are guests in their country! 99.99% of the people of Quebec have been wonderful to us. Thanks!

In 25 years have not run into a language problem we could not get past. Last time we had a waitress who didnt speak english she walked away from our table, and came back with the cook who spoke perfect english. All smiles, all good. Most of the time, like Iceman says, speak slowly, be patient and it will work. Remember you are a guest in there country, act like a good guest and they will treat you well.

I wish I had a garage..... So the rest of you don't stand in the cold back yard and tinker? GutZ

Hello! My brother and I are planning to take our first trek on the Quebec trails the last week of December and have mapped out a lengthy loop (about 2100km), but would appreciate any feedback (ie. things to see, suggested reroute, suggested hotel change, gas issues/long stretches without, etc). We are planning to drive up from just outside Toronto to stay at the Four Points Sheraton in Quebec City (where feeder 304 meets TQ3) on Boxing Day. Day 1 (Dec 27) - 333km up #3 & #73, staying at Le Relais 22 Milles Day 2 (Dec 28) - 483km #83 west, staying at Auberge Du Lac Faillon , just outside of Senetterre Day 3 (Dec 29) - 474km #93 North, staying at Marina Chibougamau Day 4 (Dec 30) - 294km #93 South-east to Roberval, staying at Hotel Chateau Roberval Day 5 (Dec 31) - 329km #23 -> 383 -> #83 -> #3 staying in Clermont at Hotel-Pavillons Le Petit Manoir Day 6 (Jan 1) 172km back to Four Points Sheraton to load up and head home. Appreciate any feedback or suggestions Thank you! David

Way to get after it boys. Looking forward to hooking up sometime this winter.

bonsoir a tous !!! took another walk near by lake casault ...8 to 10'' of snow there !!! need more patience !!! -8c and cloudy !!! jean-guy

We rode back to Forestville with Johnny 24 wide today , some goat trail riding and a few bog crossings, but it is also good to report that we saw Forestville and Escoumin out and grooming. The Pelchat trail is groomed and connected to Mt Valin. So a mini saddlebag trip would be possible and enjoyable. Our trip ended today, we were very fortunate to end up with 1660 Miles on our sleds. A great start to our snowmobile season. see you on the snow soon RR

Well it's the last day of the trip, time to go rip off a final 250 miles, another 1-2" of snow overnight

The Bridge less traveled, an interesting and fun ride to Mont Villian today, the bay has no ice on it so you can not cross it yet., not much for grooming yet in the Low lands but we inprovised. Another nice day in the winterland!

Job done... Let it snow...

I'll pull two plug wires to give you a chance. 😉

I give it Five Stars! For that matter Ten when its the only place for gas and a coffee!

I always loved this place one of the best night stays I ever had was at La Cache we stayed there with a couple from Nova Scotia and the owner treated us all like gold and was actually an excellent cook , sorry that he sold it if I recall he also had a restaurant down along the coast near Maria maybe I don’t remember. I hope the new owner will be as gracious

My story is similar to Bills. I have been going to Quebec snowmobiling since 1999 and only once did I run into someone that wasn't very nice. My motto is smile, laugh, and wave your hands a bit, they will smile, laugh, wave their hands a bit and then get your money and you will get what you want. Always say Bonjour, or Bonsoir to start, the effort to try will make the whole thing go easier.

I was a Ford man (Powerstroke and V10) and decided to try a new Duramax 3500 HD. So far I like it. I need it for the boat more than the sleds.

Another 235 miles today of great riding North West of KM 31

bonjour !!! took a little walk by the river !!! 0c in town !!! jean-guy

hi phil !!! time to move to gaspesie !!! pic of coleman bottom left.....back in 1990 ,coming back from mt logan....mid april.....we landed there in the valley ...super nice !!! oc today.....mix of rain and snow !!! jean-guy