Seriously Al, where are you getting all of this apparent "first hand" information from?
Carry appropriate identification
Except for citizens of the United States, all travellers entering Canada are required to have a valid passport and/or travel document. Visitors from some countries will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). To find out if you need a visa, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site.
Citizens of the United States should carry proof of their citizenship. A passport is ideal, however, a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, or naturalization certificate, when presented with valid photo identification such as a drivers licence will also be accepted. Permanent residents of the U.S. should bring their green card.
Plan your trip, bring a passport or birth certificate and don't look for any trouble at the border. They'll let you in and back no problem. I've done it both ways and it's never been an issue. Passport surely makes it a little more efficient, as they seem to like when a traveler exhibits responsibility by being properly prepared.
Show up in your pinto with nothing but a drivers license, it's probably an entirely different story.