While a traditional passport is the "gold standard," you can travel by land or sea from Canada to the U.S. in 2026 using alternative WHTI-compliant documents. These include an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)—currently issued by certain provinces like British Columbia or Ontario—or an Enhanced Tribal Card. Additionally, members of the NEXUS or FAST trusted traveler programs can use their membership cards as valid identification at land border crossings. For Canadian citizens under the age of 16, a birth certificate (original or copy) is often sufficient when traveling by land with their parents. However, if you are traveling by air, a valid passport is strictly mandatory for all travelers regardless of age. For 2026 travelers, it is a high-value "pro-tip" to always carry your passport if you have one, as it is the only universally accepted document that eliminates any ambiguity regarding your citizenship and right to cross the international boundary.