I'll be driving to Montreal this weekend for the GP.

I've heard from a friend in upstate NY that the border crossing into Canada is now a pain in the neck....you need more than just a driver's license.

Is this true? Do I need a passport? (god forbid) Or a birth certificate?

Any help from the Canadian Atlas members would be greatly appreciated.

I think it's now at least a driving license AND birth certificate

Although whether they actually ask for both remains entirely random

Since a driver's license doesn't prove your citizenship, I suspect you have to have a birth certificate or passport.

Where will you be crossing into Canada?

I will be crossing at the Champlain check point, driving from Plattsburgh, NY.

I have driven to Montreal and crossed at the same checkpoint in 2002 and 2003. It hasn't really been a problem, but our friends who live in Plattsburgh have told us that the border crossing has become more difficult lately.

I was just curious. I will bring my birth certificate along as well just-in-case.

I think if you have 2 pieces of photo ID, it will be OK.

Last year was fairly easy getting into Canada, but then we both have passports. It's getting back that you really better better worry about. Just cause Canada lets you in doesn't mean the US will let you back. Coming back is much much worse than going. I would definately suggest you have a bith certificate showing US Citizenship, regardless of whether Canda want it because the US Customs service will not let you in without it.

I've never had a problem driving across - they've just asked for DL (although I think signs say to have birth-cert). Of course, flying in you need DL and birth-cert.