If a Canadian loses their passport, can you use a photo ID to get?
The most important thing to do when you're traveling is to keep several photocopies of the picture page of your passport in your purse, luggage, etc. On that page is all the pertinent information: name, date of birth, picture, date issued, expiry date, passport number, etc. From my understanding, that will get you on the airplane. All airline tickets these days are electronically connected to your passport. Otherwise, you can report your lost/stolen/missing passport to the Canadian consulate where you are and they will issue a replacement or temporary passport within a few days. In other words, it's not the end of the world. But, it certainly is an inconvenience. Also, it is important to report it missing as there is apparently a big market in selling stolen passports.