Passcard for Canada?

I've visited 30-some countries in the last couple decades, by far the hardest country I've ever found for a US citizen to enter is the USA. (Haven't tried going to N. Korea) As with all bureaucracies the way to a successful outcome is pretty straightforward-- follow their rules, to the letter, and don't be a smart-aleck. Bureaucrats cannot be relied on to have sense of humor. At least most ICE waiting rooms in the US have air conditioning and flush toilets, so it's not so bad.

So rather than try to "get by" with something, just get a passport. It's cheap, painless, and you'll be ready to rock when you win that all-expense paid vacation to the south of France.