I copied this straight from the Canada Border Services Agency Website. This part is only if you are entering the U.S. by vehicle. I am not sure though if you would need to show a passport though to the airline when you check in. Best to check with your airline that you are flying with if you do or don't.
Documents for entry into the United States
Land ports of entry
As of January 31, 2008, Canadian citizens entering the United States by land must present one of the following valid documents:
a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card; or
a passport; or
a NEXUS card; or
a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or
a British Columbia (B.C.) enhanced driver’s licence (EDL); or
a Certificate of Indian Status card; or
for those aged 18 years and under, only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card, is required.
There will be a transition period during which time travellers who do not present the appropriate documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. Travellers may also be given an information sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition period is to raise awareness of the change, educate travellers and allow ample time for them to obtain the necessary documents.
The transition period will continue for approximately 12 months until the full implementation of the WHTI document requirements for entry into the United States by land and water takes effect June 1, 2009.
Upon full implementation of the U.S. WHTI on June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens will be required to present one of the following valid U.S. WHTI-compliant documents when entering the United States by land:
a passport; or
a NEXUS card; or
a FAST card; or
a B.C. EDL or an EDL from another province or territory where a U.S.-approved EDL program has been implemented.
NOTE: Canadian citizens entering the United States by land but exiting by air must present a valid passport in compliance with U.S. air exit requirements. Refer to the air travel requirements for more information.
Upon full implementation of the U.S. WHTI on June 1, 2009, it is expected that the new secure Certificate of Indian Status card will also be accepted as a secure WHTI-compliant document, pending U.S. government approval.
Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are travelling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.
Entry requirements to the United States have not changed for non-Canadian citizens residing in Canada. For more information on U.S. entry requirements, consult the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site.
For more information:
NEXUS
FAST
Enhanced driver's licences
Passports
and not needing to purchase passports would put a little more money in our wallet - so I wanted to pick the brains of the experts out there to help me out!
ahead of time!
