Folks. Thought I'd give an update here. Overall, not great news.
Given the exchange rate, I've been attempted to invest the funds following the advice of Prairie Practicality. However, it turns out that it seems to be a requirement that one reside in Canada in order to open an investment account. Without being able to open an investment account, of course, I cannot invest the funds! If you know of a place that would allow me to open an account I would appreciate the tip.
It seems I'm left with only two unpleasant options. 1) Leave money in pitiful CAD savings account. 2) Transfer (without benefit of even the Norbert gambit, since I don't have an investment account) to USD at the bank exchange rate.