Montreal is also in Quebec however where English is not the most common language, it's French. Of course you can get around town and enjoy a trip to Montreal without knowing or speaking any French, but learning just a little bit will make your trip much more interesting.

Yes, you can absolutely visit Montreal without speaking a word of French. While Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, it is also highly bilingual and cosmopolitan. In the major tourist areas like Old Montreal, Downtown, and the Plateau, almost everyone working in hotels, restaurants, and shops speaks excellent English and will automatically switch languages once they hear your accent. Public signage, including street signs and menus, is predominantly in French due to provincial law, but digital maps and English menus are readily available. To be a respectful traveler in 2026, it is a "gold standard" to learn a few basic phrases like "Bonjour" (Hello), "Merci" (Thank you), and "S'il vous plaît" (Please). Starting a conversation with a friendly "Bonjour!" before switching to English is often met with great warmth. While you may encounter more unilingual French speakers in the deep suburbs or rural parts of Quebec, Montreal itself is a very accessible and welcoming destination for English speakers from around the world.