Do i need a passport to travel to the United States for a week from Canada?

I was wondering if i need to do all this work for me to travel to georgia to visit my father i live in nova scotia. Since im from boston and been living in nova scotia for 14 years. It is hard for me to obtain either an american passport or canadian passport. could it possible to not have a passport and still visit my father.

At this time, it is still possible to cross border with a drivers license (photo ID) and a birth certificate.

In the U.S. they are starting to come out with an enhanced drivers license that will allow you across the border

Well you can't fly into the US without a passport. On the ground however you can still travel between the two with a birth certificate and valid identification. This law is set to change soon though so make sure you keep checking up on it.

I believe they just passed a law that you do need a passport to enter U.S.
Here is the quote from the department of homeland security website for U.S. Citizens:

"U.S. Citizens

Air Travel

All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.

Land/Sea Travel

Beginning January 31, 2008, the United States will end the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at the border.

* U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. View the complete list of acceptable documents at CBP.gov.
* Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate."

And here's the quote from that same website about Canadian citizens:

"Air Travel

All international visitors regardless of country of origin must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States by air.

Land/Sea Travel
Canadian Citizens

Beginning January 31, 2008, the United States will end the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship at the border.

* Canadian citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth. View the complete list of acceptable documents at CBP.gov.
* Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate."

I have provided two links for you to look at. The first is homeland security where the quotes are from, and the second is the U.S. Department of State website about the new western hemisphere travel initiative.

Hope this helps!

You must have a passport to FLY between Canada and the U.S. You do not yet need apassport to travel by LAND between them. But that requirement will go into effect in a few months...so you will need a passport then. If you are an American citizen, go to site below to get all passport application info. You cannot get a Canadian passport unless you are a Canadian citizen. Maybe, while you are visiting in the U.S., you should go ahead and get your American passport. If you are FLYING to GA....you will need to get an American passport BEFORE you fly. You can go to the nearest American consulate. See list below.