RCMP and supporting agencies search for missing hiker in Cape Breton

April 30, 2026 - Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
From: Nova Scotia RCMP

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RCMP and supporting agencies are continuing efforts to locate a missing hiker in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.   

On April 28, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Inverness County District RCMP received a report of a missing person believed to be hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  

Denise Ann Williams, 62, from Australia was last heard from on April 15 when she indicated she was travelling to Chéticamp.  Her rental vehicle, a Nissan Sentra, was located at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre near the Acadian Trail head.  

Williams is described as 5-foot-4 with greyish blonde, shoulder length hair.  She is believed to have been wearing a dark winter jacket, a powder blue toque with “Antarctica” written on it, an orange and blue scarf and glasses.  

Search efforts involving RCMP and Department of Natural Resources Air Services, RCMP Police Dog Services, multiple Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association, Parks Canada, Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications, and EHS Emergency Preparedness and Special Operations (EPSO) began on April 28 and are continuing.

Anyone who may have encountered Williams in or around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is asked to contact Inverness County District RCMP at 902-258-2213. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app. 

File: 2026-553463

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