Quote Originally Posted by Quebec Gen View Post
Don't worry about the language. If people can tell you're making an effort to speak the language and you're not being a smart-alecky, they'll be much more friendly. Just stick to the usual polite formulas (bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît) and it should be ok. Plus, there are plenty of English-speaking workers in the James Bay area.
French wasn't much of an issue. One thing I forgot that it was North, so people are friendlier there in general.
jamesbayroad.com and the forum there covers the road pretty well. The road is fully paved (except for the last 10km to the bay itself). So, when you get a chance, go for it. Just a word of warning: on the way back, take it is on the gas pedal once you get back to civilization, the road seems too easy south of Matagami.

Now, going back to those bears, on which road did you see them? I only saw a couple of dogs, about a dozen of rabbits and 5-6 foxes.