can i use my california ID in canada?

Answer 1

Well, for what?
For proof of age, yes.
For Driving (if it is a drivers license), yes.
To cross the border, yes.
To prove your identity to rent a motel, or car, and for similar purposes, yes.

To work, no, you need a visa or work permit.

Answer 2

For cigarettes and alcohol, yes, but around my area (Brockville) it's actually be banned. California specifically because a girl I know made a fake California driver's licence and used it around here until people found out.

For corssing the border and driving through here, yes.