I arrived about a year ago with pretty much zero French. I could say, "Je ne comprends pas." That's about it. I've been learning since I arrived, but my French is still pretty broken. However, even though I live in what my brother-in-law once referred to as the "heart of separatist Québec," (Saguenay/Lac St. Jean), the people here are generally very nice. I do try in French, but I have a very limited vocabulary and still struggle to form sentences well. I apologize for my bad French and then try to ask for what I need, and most people are smiling, patient, and kind. Heck, many of them compliment my French, haha! (Which I know they're just doing to be nice.)
I say all of that to say, yes, Québec does take steps to protect its language, and at times, the politics are not friendly to those who don't speak French. BUT, if you head out with a good attitude, a smile for the people who help you, and a genuine effort to learn at least the basics in French, the people tend to be friendly and helpful. In my experience, at least.
