Australian hiker reported missing in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

CHÉTICAMP – Nova Scotia RCMP are searching for a 62-year-old Australian woman believed to be hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park when she was reported missing Tuesday.

The Mounties say Denise Ann Williams was last heard from on April 15 when she indicated she was travelling to Chéticamp, an Acadian community near the southwestern entrance to the large park 

Police say her rental vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, was found next to the Parks Canada visitor centre near the entrance to the Acadian Trail, an 8.4-kilometre hiking trail that can be completed in three to four hours.

The trail, rated as a moderate challenge, rises 365 metres to offer panoramic views of Chéticamp river valley and the park’s highland interior — and hikers are warned to watch for black bears and moose.

Described as five-foot-four with shoulder-length, grey hair and glasses, Williams is believed to be wearing a dark winter jacket with an orange-and-blue scarf and a powder-blue toque with “Antarctica” written on it.

Police and volunteer ground search teams are being helped by a helicopter crew from the provincial Natural Resources Department, as well as police tracking dogs and aircraft flown by members of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 1, 2026.