I've crossed the border a few times and have studied the rules a bit. These are some tips based upon what I know.
First, if you've had a drunk/drink-driving conviction within the last 5 years or so you won't need to worry about crossing the border since Canada will refuse entry. Doesn't matter if you plan on driving or not. See you at WineConf 2020! A bunch of other offenses also qualify. You may still get permission to enter Canada but you should start that process now because it is likely to be slow, especially if they have to contact the US government.
http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/inadmissibility-interdiction-eng.html https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/402/~/entering-the-u.s.-and-can...
Second, you don't need a passport book. Supposedly you only need birth certificate and photo ID but I wouldn't rely on just those, especially since a birth certificate is harder for agents to authenticate and replacing a lost one can be complicated.
Some border states offer an "enhanced driver's license" that doubles as a limited passport for border crossing. This is the cheapest option. The requirements vary by state.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_driver%27s_license
Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53333---,00.html
If you even *think* you will have problems crossing the border (in either direction) apply for a NEXUS card. Unlike a normal passport this requires a criminal background check and an interview with border officials at one of the border crossings. It's a slow process, especially when the USA government is shutdown during their annual budget crisis, so apply NOW. If you are approved then you shouldn't have any trouble entering the USA or Canada in spite of past "bad behavior". Membership in one of the other Trusted Traveler Programs may also suffice and there is significant overlap between them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEXUS https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/
Third, don't take anything that looks like a weapon into Canada, including pepper spray, mace, stun guns, etc. Doing so will make their border agents very impolite and cause you major trouble, maybe not quite as bad as trying to enter the USA with oranges or other citrus fruit, but it's a problem worth avoiding.
Fourth, when returning to the USA declare all food and everything you bought to the US border patrol agents. You may have to pay a duty if your imports are worth more than $200 USD. Some unopened packages of commercially sealed food may be imported but dumping any fruits and vegetables, including dehydrated foods and items originally from the USA, is a good idea before approaching the border gates. The food restrictions are because of the USA agriculture industry's paranoia of diseases and damaging insects crossing the 5500 mile long shared Canadian border via travelers.
And finally, the USA border agents may offer to make a backup of the data on all your electronic devices. The EFF has a handy guide about the service: https://ssd.eff.org/en/module/things-consider-when-crossing-us-border
Miscellaneous:
Use a credit card for most transactions to handle currency exchange. MasterCard and Visa is commonly accepted, Discover is almost useless. Some businesses, especially near the border, will take USD at a 1:1 exchange rate but your greenbacks are losing value that way.
Check your phone's voice/data plan to see if it covers Canadian and/or international usage. Don't be surprised if your prepaid plan jumps from $0.10 to $1 USD per minute at the border due to the financial complexity of transfering your packets.
Since Canada is part of the modern world they use the metric system so expect kilometers instead of miles on signs. Their speed limits are generally lower than the USA. Also make sure your navigation system has maps for Canada.
Converting from USA English to Canadian English isn't difficult. Just replace "you know" with with a rising-tone "eh" at the end of your sentences. Also some names are different like "washroom" instead of "restroom", "pop" instead of "soda", etc.
https://www.phrasemix.com/answers/how-are-canadian-english-and-american-engl... https://business.financialpost.com/business-insider/35-things-canadians-say-...
Expect to encounter a few strange Canadian foods like poutine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine https://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/10-must-try-canadian-dishes/