Travel to Canada from US without a passport?

I've been in North Carolina for more than 20 years. Over the past 3 years, I've attempted 8 times to obtain a passport for my son to only have it rejected due to the photo. I just had the passport application returned & rejected AGAIN because of the photo. I am so angry & frustrated by now... I don't know what else to do. I have a trip planned next month & wanted to bring both my sons. They have not seen their grandparents in over 10 years & they're not getting any younger. My oldest son & I applied at the same time but they rejected his photo & mine was ok. My youngest son has an American passport.

Is there any way that he can fly into Toronto without a passport & apply for it once there? I am assuming that it'll be easier to do from there.

Anyone know of a photographer in Greensboro, NC that does Cdn passport photos?

do you have USA passports? You can get in that way.
You can find the pic parameters on the CDN govt passport page. Sometimes sears can do them, or try and find a professional photographer. I found a camera shop in the DC area that had a room in the back that took CDn photos

Is there any way that he can fly into Toronto without a passport & apply for it once there? I am assuming that it'll be easier to do from there.

No but he can fly into Buffalo without a passport and you drive from there. I assume he has some proof of Canadian citizenship?

Are you absolutely sure that they'll let him in to Canada without a passport? What forms of ID would he need to show other than a Canadian birth certificate? I know that the US would not let him back in without a passport. That would be great if we can do that. Once we are there we can go to a Passport Canada office & get his passport then. I'm sure that it'll be an all day affair.

Canada will let him in without a passport, as long as he has some ID (which you would be bringing to make the PP application anyways). Remember the notatrized letter from the father giving permission.

It will be more than "an all day affair". You will submit the application, and the earliest you will get it is 3 business days -- you need proof of needing expedited processing (your return ticket from Buffalo), and pay the extra fee of course. So plan to stay in Canada at least 10 days, get the picture done and signed and the application submitted on the first day you arrive in canada, and then you should get it before you leave. Fingers crossed.

Pictures from US have been a troublesome issue for the past 6-7 years. I always get my photo taken in Canada -- even if it is many months before PP expiry, and then either submit the paperwork from US, or, like you are going to do -- request expedited service while up there. the advantage of doing it there is, if the photo is bad they will tell you immediately, and the photo shop in canada will usually guarantee to redo it.

Ok, so I have a plan now! Thanks so much for all the answers & everyone's help.