I second Don's note of Le Portage. Very low key, it sits near the Cheticamp entrance to the National Park. I know the Cheticamp community is proud of the course, and I really enjoyed it. It's NOT an architectural marvel by any means, but it does provide a great day of golf.
I can see Cheticamp as being a good stopping point on your trip up the Cabot Trail to play Highlands Links.
And, folks, it's very possible to drive to Cape Breton from the NE. From Philly, it's an adventurous 2-day drive. Once you get past Boston, it's a very easy drive. Bangor, ME was a good halfway stopping off point from Philly.