Here is a site for sending free text messages to phones in Canada. Its a lot easier to type your message on a keyboard then use a phone key pad.
The messages that are sent show as being sent from donotreply@freetxt.ca and the first line says [Freetxt.ca Message]
I tested the site with a solo mobile number (using bell as provider) and the message arrived in about 5 seconds.
The site is: http://www.freetxt.ca
The international sister site (USA and Other Countries) is: http://www.txt2day.com