Top 5 Best Cities to Learn French in Canada
When trying to learn a new language, immersion in an environment where that language is spoken is often an excellent experience. About 23% of the Canadian population has French as their first official language. Canada is therefore a country where the Francophonie is present From Sea to Sea. Here is a list of the best 5 cities to learn French in Canada.
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Montreal
Located in the province with the highest rate of Francophones (nearly 7 million), the city of Montreal is the right place to start, or to perfect, your French learning. As an important economic and cultural center in Quebec, you can discover a city where Quebec’s culture rubs shoulders with a colorful multiculturalism.
Several schools specializing in learning French will allow you to deepen your linguistic knowledge and practice your new language skills. You will be immersed in a rich social life where it will be easy to create connections and evolve in the French-speaking world.
Once there, let yourself be guided by the Metro and the public transport network to the many shows, art galleries, the Botanical Garden or gourmet restaurants that you will find on your way. You will also have to taste the famous poutine. The Old Port will be a perfect place to enjoy your poutine, while looking at the St. Laurent River.
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Ottawa
As the national capital of Canada, Ottawa is a city where French is very present. The province of Ontario has nearly 550,000 Francophones. With its bilingual status, many activities and opportunities are present if you want to learn French.
The Alliance Française d’Ottawa is an organization that offers a complete French immersion. Many French language courses are offered, both at the professional level and for individuals. You can also participate in the multitude of cultural activities offered by the Alliance Française to create connections within the French-speaking community where you will be able practice your French even more.
Culturally talking, you can also discover the Franco-Ontarian music scene, go to the Museum of Fine Arts of Canada or go eat in one of the many small restaurants of the ByWard Market. If you are interested in History and politics, you can visit Parliament Hill, the House of Commons and the many breweries and distilleries filled with national history!
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Moncton
Photo credit: Expédia.ca
Although historically, New Brunswick’s Francophones (the Acadians) were deported during the 18th century, their culture is still very much alive today with nearly 230,000 Francophones present in the territory. You can learn more about the history of this people by visiting the Acadian Museum of the Université de Moncton or discover the Gallery of Moncton, which displays works of art by local or regional artists.
The Alliance Française of Moncton offers many French courses for adults and children of all levels. Cultural and social activities will allow you to enjoy your stay in the city in addition to perfecting your knowledge of the French language.
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Halifax
Located in the province of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a city in the Maritimes where you can learn French. This province has nearly 30,000 Francophones, and Halifax is a cultural hub offering many activities. A 4 km hike along the harbor boardwalk will take you to restaurants, shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. Bordered by the Atlantic, the city of Halifax will allow you to try many maritime sports and to go out to sea.
The Alliance Française of Halifax will allow you to learn French easily thanks to its diversity of language courses, organized activities, and competent staff. You will be able to create connections during wine and cheese evenings, conversations over coffee or even attend conferences whose subjects address different aspects of the Francophonie.
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Victoria
If you like outdoor activities and French, Victoria will be the ideal city for you. British Columbia alone has approximately 65,000 Francophones, which makes it an ideal province in which to learn French! Thanks to its location and advantageous microclimate, the temperature in Victoria is always pleasant. You can explore the many hiking trails, set out on the sea on a sailboat, taste fresh seafood in the various restaurants in the city and even visit several museums and art galleries. You can also have a tour of the British-Columbia Parliament Buildings.
The Alliance Française of Victoria offers group French language courses, private courses and even courses where you can practice speaking French. Involved in the educational and cultural life of its city, the Alliance Française of Victoria organizes several interesting activities that will allow you to learn French while having fun and meeting new people!
