Steve M: Bank Debit cards (No Visa or MC affiliatoin) are accepted everywhere in Canada via the "interac" network.
If I am traveling outside of Canada, cash and/or traveler's cheques with my Amex do the trick.
Amex was my very first credit/ charge card. I have cancelled my Amex before but now I find myself using it as my preferred card as I think the Canadian Amex Plat. card offers the best value out off all Canadian credit/ charge cards!