I am planning on studying French somewhere in the Province of Quebec. Is a student visa required? Or one may land in the country as a tourist for this type of school?
In the future, if I decide to stay in the country, what are my options to transform a student visa into a Permanent Residency?
And lastly, can one work part time while on a Student Visa?
If the course is less than 6 months you do not need a study permit but if more you will need a study permit. You will need to find a college on the designated learning list.
Only US citizens or perm US residents can apply for a study permit at the port of entry, other nationals must apply in advance of any course.
On a study permit it is possible to work part time only max 20 hours a week, you cannot work without the study permit.
Here is a summary but more info on CIC site http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/
As for staying on that depends on your qualifications, work experience and English language proficiency plus helps with a job offer.
of course if not from a visa exempt country you will need a visa to enter Canada as well
