>I live in Houlton, Maine ... 3 miles from the Canadian border.  I
>cross
> into Canada (New Brunswick) frequently and occasionally at crossings
> where they wouldn't know me and have no problems doing so without
> having
> to show a passport.
> I have friends who live in Canada and they cross into the US and
> back
> with equal ease.
> Maybe some locations are just more strict than others.

i'd suggest anybody who plans on crossing either way get a passport
issued and keep it in the bus. and one for each passenger, too. :(
the law just changed on the american side and starting later this year
(i think that's right ... might be january of next year), canadians
will be required to show a passport to get into the u.s.
really neighborly of our government. note that it is NOT required of
folks entering (legally or illegally) from mexico.

oh, and get this! AMERICANS will have to have their passport to get
back INTO the u.s. from canada!!
no, they didn't mention what will happen if you don't have it. i
expect you'll be spending more time in canada, trying to get the
american embassy in ottawa to issue you a passport. :(

this was on the CBC news network a couple of nights ago.

unca joel