Hi, when you travel in a country, out of respect for the local people, it's essential to make a research to know what is the official language. When you travel, you never need to learn to local language, but if you want to show respect for the local people, its essential to learn the basics. For example, if you spend a long time in Barcelona, it's quite essential to know that people speak Catalan and not Spanish. So if you want to connect with people and show respect to them, you will learn Catalan. Finding that information is now quite easy with our friends Google and Wikipedia. Of course, you don't need to learn French if you travel to Quebec. But yes, the official language is French. Quebec people fought for the survival of our language and we still need to protect our language everyday, just like you would do with an animal specie who might disappear without any specific targeted intervention. And speaking a different language is not only a matter of language, it means that you also another culture and way of thinking in terms of history, politics, arts, etc. And when people have a minority identity in an ocean of English, they have to remind people everyday that our official language is French. How come ? Still don't get it. If I go to India, I will learn Hindi or another language depeneding on the region I travel to or at least the basics. I have an an Indian friend who came here, he was already speaking seven languages and when he came, he was so motivated, he learned French really fast. Why ? Because he was hangiing out with local people and not Indians. You have no idea how people are happy when you make an effort, I felt that when I went to Mumbai the first time and I could deal my fruits in Hindi because I learned the first numbers. So, I would say, it's up to you. So no you don't need to. But if you plan in living here, to get a job, you will have to learn French, Why ? Because it's the official language, that simple ! Hope you will love Montreal, you will love it more if you go off the beaten track and discover the real Montreal, the amazingly creative one, not the tourist trap one ! Enjoy your stay however long it is ! Hope you enjoy it !