Originally Posted by
willibrord
For real? Do the Alaska ferries going to Whittier stop in Canada? I would need a passport even if I don't get off? That is bizarre. How can Canada control what documents American citizens have to carry?
Canada doesn't. FWIW, you can go into Canada without a passport. It is getting back into America once you have left (or once your boat has touched another port) that is your issue, as you will go through American immigration and customs.
Also worth noting, many border states and some others now offer "enhanced" drivers IDs that allow you land and sea border crossings. I've got one from Michigan, just so I can pop over to Windsor or Sarnia or teh Soo Canada without needing my passport.