I can't speak of RBC and getting your fees waived, though i'd guess RBC has a similiar policy to other banks. Generally, there is a daily minimum you have to keep in your account to avoid the fees. (ie:$2500, $5000, etc) Pretty much ALL banks in canada has some sort of account fee.
President's Choice financial is the only bank I know of in canada that doesn't have bank fees. I am with you on the hating paying bank fees, so that's why i went with president's choice. it is backed by CIBC. It is pretty much an online bank account, and you can use CIBC bank machines without getting charged to deposit and withdraw money when there isn't a presiden't choice around. You can't use teller's though. Also, when you use the card to buy groceries or PC products, you get PC points towards free groceries. You can also have direct deposit, e-transfers, and there is an app where you can deposit checks from your phone. PC financial does have limited locations, so you would want to check out online if there are any in your area. PC Financial also offers savings accounts and mortgages, again, all backed by CIBC and following CIBC interest rates.