Although it is the longest undefended border in the world, it is still a border between two different countries.  Because we are so much alike culturally, and such good friends historically, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that we are still different countries.  However, in our present security conscious world, endhanced border security is a fact of life we have to learn to live with.  With heightened security concerns and some recent changes to the rules regarding passports, we sometimes hear that the border is getting much more difficult to cross.  We have not found this to be the case if guests are well informed about the present requirements and arrive prepared.

Until recently, passports were not required to US or Canadian citizens crossing the Canada/US border.  New requirements from the US Department of Homeland Security have changed this as a passport is now required if you are travelling by air, and will be required - probably by mid 2008 - if you are travellin by land.  These changes apply to Canadians travelling to the US and US visitors to Canada returning home.  These are US government requirements to enter or re-enter the US.  Although our US guests do not need a passport to enter Canada, they do need one to return home.

A passport is the accepted document to cross the Canada/US border.  It is still possible to use proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) plus photo ID (like a driver's license) at land border crossings until mid 2008.  However, guests report that using a passport generally simplifies border crossing and results in few delays. 

Check the Department of Homeland Security website to get up-to-date information and details

http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm

(Used with permission from "The Outfitters FALL 2007", the Voice of Nature and Outdoor Tourism in Ontario)