options to transfer CAD $ from a bank in Canada to the US?

We are trying to avoid the 2% spread that occurs when you transfer money from a bank in Canada to a bank in the US. Have found a private bank that will receive CAD directly in the US, but RBC doesn't allow wire transfers to the US from CAD > CAD.

I understand we could use wise (?) or other transfer services that drop the cost to <0.8% but still pretty high vs. just a direct transfer.

Has anyone encountered this and have a better solution?

--

Why the downvote?