Montreal area nudists?

[Arnabas]

Hey there.

I'm just wondering if anyone here is from the Montreal area. I'd like to chat with you. I'm hoping to find people to go to the Pommerie or maybe Oka with.

[naked in NH]

Hi,

I'm not Canadian but considering la Pommerie (Canadian Naturist Festival) in August. I've never been before, and the idea of driving to Canada (from NH) alone is a bit intimidating. Is the Festival likely to be welcoming to a single English-speaking-only guy? Anyone have experience with the festival?

[usuallylurk]

Originally posted by naked in NH:
Hi,

I'm not Canadian but considering la Pommerie (Canadian Naturist Festival) in August. I've never been before, and the idea of driving to Canada (from NH) alone is a bit intimidating. Is the Festival likely to be welcoming to a single English-speaking-only guy? Anyone have experience with the festival?

No, but we may be going to the Eastern Canadian Festival as well.

TNS fests and gatherings are always singles-friendly. Considering that most Canadians have a knowledge of English you probably won't have any problem there, either.

My wife is monolingual (English only) so I am banking on the fact if we do go, there won't be any problem.

[Arnabas]

I have been there a few times and while I usually hear mostly French, I have heard some English. I agree that most people should be able to speak at least some English. I know of a few people who will be going that are mostly English, including myself, so I am sure you'll meet plenty of English folks if you go.

Quote:
"Considering that most Canadians have a knowledge of English..."

Well, all Canadians know English. It's just the Quebecers you have to watch out for. The vast majority of those coming from Montreal and the surrounding areas will know English or even BE English. Farther out, you get mostly French.

[usuallylurk]

Originally posted by Arnabas:
I have been there a few times and while I usually hear mostly French, I have heard some English. I agree that most people should be able to speak at least some English. I know of a few people who will be going that are mostly English, including myself, so I am sure you'll meet plenty of English folks if you go.

Quote:
"Considering that most Canadians have a knowledge of English..."

Well, all Canadians know English. It's just the Quebecers you have to watch out for. The vast majority of those coming from Montreal and the surrounding areas will know English or even BE English. Farther out, you get mostly French.

Last I looked, Aranbas, QC was still part of Canada, and all the plebescite votes have gone "no/non".

It's also important to note that this part of Quebec (Hemmingford area) has a substantial English population -- while not in the "Eastern townships", a great many area residents are descendants of the Empire loyalists. Plus there is the language influence of American television from Plattsburgh and Burlington...

[Arnabas]

Lol.

Actually took me a second to get what you were saying. I was reading your post and thinking "when did I say Quebecers were not Canadians?" But then I realised I had not been very clear...

But frankly, many French Quebecers don't like to consider themselves Canadian, at least not until it's time for Canadian holidays, GST refunds, etc. They're happy to be Canadian when they'r getting something from Canada. The rest of the time they prefer to be "unique".

[Guest]

Originally posted by naked in NH:
Hi,

I'm not Canadian but considering la Pommerie (Canadian Naturist Festival) in August. I've never been before, and the idea of driving to Canada (from NH) alone is a bit intimidating. Is the Festival likely to be welcoming to a single English-speaking-only guy? Anyone have experience with the festival?

If you're a card carrying naturist/nudist, such as a member of AANR or TNS or INF you'd be very welcome. The staff speak English and the majority of people who will be there that weekend will be English-speaking visitors. I went in 2005 and had a great time. You have to book now, though, as it will get very busy and there may be only camping sites left to rent.

[Arnabas]

You have to book now, though, as it will get very busy and there may be only camping sites left to rent.

I have never been ther for an event... Do you have to call in advance even if you just plan to go for the day? Or only if you're staying overnight?

[naked in NH]

I have already registered and have secured a camping site. The only complaint, however, I have so far is the lack of information provided on the website. For instance, I have no idea whether meals are provided or what the schedule of activities is; nowhere is this information posted. Meals in particular are an important consideration. Anyone know how the event is structured?