AlanB said:
..............But make sure that you've got your passport with you!
A Passport is recommended and the best Identification to carry but it is Not required by US and Canadian citizens to cross the border. If you don't have a Passport you must have a certified copy of your birth certificate and current, valid government-issued photo identification.
The following information is from the Amtrak Web Site:
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Border Crossing Information
Crossing the Canadian/US Border on Amtrak
If your trip involves a trip across the US/Canadian border, you can help ensure a safe and speedy passage by reviewing the following requirements, guidelines and tips.
Requirements and Guidelines
When Making Reservations
When making a reservation for services crossing the US/Canadian border, you must provide various pieces of information, including your date of birth, gender, country of citizenship, and detailed information regarding the form of ID that you will carry with you on your trip. Further conditions apply.
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information will subject you to extensive inspection and questioning at the border. Please make sure that you supply us with complete and accurate information.
The information you provide when you make your reservation will be entered into your reservation record and supplied to Customs and Immigration officers to facilitate your clearance. Neither Amtrak nor VIA Rail Canada will use this information for any other purpose.
When Traveling
In General: Amtrak services that cross the US/Canada border are subject to inspection by Canadian and American law enforcement officials. If your trip involves an international border crossing, you must carry with you both:
Proof of citizenship, and
Proof of identity
The form of identification you carry with you on your trip should be the same piece of ID that you selected and provided details about when you made your reservation.
Please note you must carry the original, valid identification document. Copies, expired or otherwise invalid documents will not suffice. Each passenger must have his or her own ID.
US and Canadian Citizens: We strongly recommend that US and Canadian citizens carry a passport. Passengers without a passport, must have a certified copy of a birth certificate and current, valid government-issued photo identification.
Citizens of Other Countries: Citizens of all other countries must carry a valid passport. In addition, many passengers must obtain and carry a visa.
Passengers Under 18 (Not Traveling with Both Parents): Passengers under 18 years old (if not traveling with both parents) must carry a notarized letter from any parent or legal guardian not present which gives permission for the child to cross the border. This letter must include the address and telephone number of the parent or parents not present.
If one parent is deceased, a copy of that parent's death certificate will minimize questions and delay.
No Guaranty of Entry
Permission to enter the US or Canada is granted solely at the discretion of Customs and Immigration officers. Accordingly, possession of required documentation and providing Amtrak with required information in no way guarantees entry into the United States or Canada.
Neither Amtrak nor VIA Rail Canada nor any other carrier is in any way liable in the event that you are denied entry or delayed on your trip. Please note that trains or buses will not be delayed at the border on your behalf if you are detained.
Delays Are Possible
Please be aware that you may experience delays at border crossings. Such delays are usually due to US and/or Canadian customs and immigration procedures, and are beyond Amtrak's control.
Need More Information?
For further information, please contact the appropriate US or Canadian government offices prior to travel, as listed below:
Canadian Resources
On the Internet:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca
By Telephone: 1-800-O-CANADA (1-800-622-6232)
In Person (in the USA): Canadian Embassy (Washington, DC) or the nearest Canadian consulate (Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Seattle)
In Person (in Canada): The nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada or Revenue Canada office.
United States Resources
On the Internet:
http://www.travel.state.gov (select links to Citizenship and Immigration, Customs, or Passport)
By Telephone: 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
In Person (in the USA): The nearest office of the US Passport Agency, the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration, or the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.
In Person (in Canada): United States Embassy (Ottawa), or the nearest United States Consulate (Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver).
