I had a similar experience in Canada the few times I was there. You don't need French in Quebec but it can be fun to use. Just about everybody speaks English.
I too learned Parisian French (from an Italian teacher!) and find the Canadian accent a little strange. Besides reading signs and watching the news in French, the only time I actually spoke French was to order a burger (avec fromage, bien sur).
I think Canada is the best place to practice French because you don't need it to get by. You can use it when you are ready, there isn't too much pressure like you would have in France.
And absolutely they hold French in higher esteem than English! That's usually a big knock on the French attitude, but that is one of the reasons I like French. I think everyone should have that attitude about their own language. If they did, there wouldn't be so many languages dying out around the world. We should take that lesson from native French speakers.
