Just my guess here, if you land in your final destination using domestic flight or by road than you need to go Social Security office(I don't know what exactly it is called) and than do your landing formality i.e. apply for PR card, etc.
BTW if everything works out, I'll probably drive to Alberta via Montana, it is 23 hrs drive from North California :)
Wow you are on top of your game.You already know how Long to get to Alberta from your place cool.