Yeah. They speak French in Quebec. In Montreal the percentage of non-French is lower than in the outlying cities. Even just immediately over the border from Vermont it becomes all French. Montreal is actually less French than other places in Quebec.
In my experience most people speak English as well, except I have encountered young people working at fast food places who did not really understand English in Laval.
I never ever ran in to any of the storied animosity or rudeness to English speakers. I begin every interaction with French greeting and continue in French. They will switch to English when realizing my French is not so good with no rudeness or any attitude.
“Montreal is actually less French than other places in Quebec.”
By experience, yes. All my American cousins who visit there have the same experience as you because they KNOW American dollars are at stake and being snobby isn’t helpful. When I got my green card in Montreal (all canadians travel to that one embassy to process it which is stupid as Vancouver and the major cities have it’s own US Embassy), all the guys in my group told me it’s more non French in Montreal.
The animosity is usually with English-speaking Canadians, if they know you are an American, they are more understanding and will generally have no issues speaking in English.
Exactly. Make an attempt. Don't be rude with them, and they won't be rude with you.