You phone will be able to access Canadian wifi - it's the same wifi you get in the US.
You're right - it sounds unlikely that your Tracphone will work here (even if you manage to unlock it). However, throwaway phones are not exactly cheap in Canada. I would do my best to find a cheap, unlocked phone and then find a reasonable pay as you go plan in Canada. How long you are here for will make a difference as to which plan is best.
For a month or longer, it is definitely worth investigating.
If you end up on wifi only, look into apps that give you a local phone number. I use Talkatone for a US phone number and Freetone for a Canadian phone number. Both are free and you can make/receive calls/texts with a real phone number.