Brent
your questions really seems to be around not wanting to be carrying cash
As many have said.. forget travellers cheques - grief
All the Cdn banks issue USD VISA cards.. almost overnight
with no nonsense surcharges like the US banks pull
Then pay with your USD account and you are done

Otherwise... bring cash
Trouble can always be found, but this is a peaceful island for the most part... normal common sense... and you are good