Reply #30: That's not correct [View All]

[KurtNYC]

Per DHS:

A U.S. citizen is not required to bear a valid passport to enter or depart the United States (under 22 CFR 53.2):
...
b. When traveling between the United States and any country, territory, or island adjacent thereto in North, South or Central America excluding Cuba; provided, that this exception is not applicable to any such person when proceeding to or arriving from a place outside the United States for which a valid passport is required under this part if such travel is accomplished within 60 days of departure from the United States via any country or territory in North, South or Central America or any island adjacent thereto;

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/documentary_requirements.xml

The requirements will change at the end of this year.

edit to add:
Timing and exact changes described here:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Don't listen to people who don't know what they are talking about. Canada is close, cheap and full of wonderful people and places. Don't let the lack of a passport stop you this year.