Travel to Canada requires a government photo id and  proof of citizenship (a birth certificate etc). It is the return to the US that requires a passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license. So if you're flying into Canada and paddling into the US a passport card is sufficient. Paddling to Canada and flying to the US requires a passport.

From the Canada Border Services Agency;
"If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification."

Quite a few years ago, I flew from the Ely float plane base to the Beaverhouse ranger station.  Enroute, we landed at the Sand Point custom station, where passports were checked (this is pre-card days).  I'm reasonably certain that Sand Point would accept a passport card since a majority of their traffic is from tow boat traffic headed from either Anderson's or Zup's for entry at via LLC to the southwestern part of Quetico.

But the short answer would likely be to check with your flying service. They would almost certainly know the answer.

dd

In MN you can obtain an "enhanced driver's license" in lieu of passport or card; price is $30-40 dollars.  Since I only plan to travel to Canada I will go that route.  I do not know if you can get this type of DL in other states.  Rules on the DL are also for entering Canada by water or land transport and NOT by flight.
So I cannot answer the bush plane question but wanted to let those who did not know of the EDL about it.  Also still need the RABCP if planning to cross/recross the water border during your travels; otherwise the rule is to check-in at customs IMMEDIATELY when returning (which is of course not possible if you are several days into your trip and nowhere near a customs office.

your friend really should ask his question of a customs agent or look on the government website  -  my opinion, worth what it cost, is that yes, a bush plane is a commercial aircraft (unless it was your own plane I guess)

A friend asked if I would ask.

Passport Cards are good for travel to and from the US to Mexico or Canada, but not by commercial aircraft. 

If you are taking a float plane into Canada to be dropped off, does that constitute a "Commercial Aircraft Flight", where the Passport card would not be valid?

Yes, I know the easy answer is to get a Passport Book.  Just asking what I was asked.

I searched the archives and found a quantity of Passport discussions, but none that spoke to bush plane flights.

Regards,

MossBack