As said, Canadian Banks have a history of doing good exchange rates.
See, banks have always been national in Canada.
Yet, in US banks have often been local and doing exchanges of other currencies is a big hassle.
Also, it's only been mentioned once. Let your credit card know you're going to unusual places. BTW if push comes to shove all credit cards have an emergency # you can call collect from outside your home country.
:C
ps. for reasons I haven't sorted out yet, but have had warning of, Our $ is now worth a bit over $0.95 US$. I don't think I'll go south this summer, but you all have fun.