Not sure if you have TD-bank in your area. But TD-bank allows you to open a Canadian bank account using your U.S. address.
They have a free wire transfer service between TD-Canada and TD-US called "Cross boarder banking". Pretty useful. I used it once and there were no fees transferring money...
Well it's a long story.. My original application was submitted on Oct 27, and was refused on Dec 11. I submitted a second application on Dec 13 and been waiting since.