Community Alert: Search for Missing Hiker in Cape Breton Highlands

The RCMP, alongside multiple partner agencies, are actively searching for a missing hiker in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia. The search is focused around the Chéticamp area after a rental vehicle linked to the missing woman was found at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre near the Acadian Trail.

The missing hiker, Denise Ann Williams, 62, is a visitor from Australia. She was last in contact on April 15, when she indicated plans to travel to Chéticamp. On April 28, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Inverness County District RCMP received a report that she was missing and believed to be hiking in the national park. Search operations began that same day and remain ongoing.

Official Details & Public Assistance Request

RCMP and supporting agencies are conducting a coordinated ground and air search in and around Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Williams’ Nissan Sentra rental car was located at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre near the Acadian Trailhead, which has become a focal point for search teams.

CrimeCanada.ca is urgently asking our community to assist. If you were in or around Cape Breton Highlands National Park since mid-April and may have seen Denise Ann Williams, even briefly, your information could be critical to the investigation.

Description of Missing Hiker

Please review the photo and description below carefully and share this information with anyone who may have been hiking or travelling near Chéticamp and the Acadian Trail since April 15.

• Name: Denise Ann Williams
• Age: 62
• From: Australia
• Height: Approximately 5-foot-4
• Hair: Greyish blonde, shoulder length
• Glasses: She is believed to be wearing glasses
• Clothing last believed worn:
  • Dark winter jacket
  • Powder blue toque with the word “Antarctica” on it
  • Orange and blue scarf
  • Glasses (eyewear)
• Vehicle: Nissan Sentra (rental), located at Parks Canada Visitor Centre near the Acadian Trail

Search Operations Underway

The search began on April 28, 2026, and remains active. Multiple agencies are involved in the effort, including:

• Inverness County District RCMP
• DNR Air Services
• RCMP Police Dog Services
• Multiple Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams
• Parks Canada
• Nova Scotia Public Safety Field Communications
• EHS Emergency Preparedness and Special Operations (EPSO)

This ongoing response highlights how major search efforts in the Cape Breton region rely on strong coordination between federal, provincial, and local resources. For broader context on risk and public safety patterns in the area, residents and visitors can review the Cape Breton Crime Statistics & Safety Report compiled by CrimeCanada.ca.

How the Public Can Help

Community assistance is critical. Even a small detail – such as seeing someone matching Denise’s description on a trail, at a lookout, or near a parking area – may help narrow search zones.

• If you saw Denise Ann Williams or spoke with her in or around Cape Breton Highlands National Park or Chéticamp after April 15, contact police immediately.
• If you captured photos or videos while hiking (trail cameras, dash cams, phones, drones) around the Acadian Trail or nearby areas during that time, review them for anyone matching her description.

Report information directly to:

• Inverness County District RCMP: 902-258-2213
• Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers (anonymous):
  • Toll-free: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
  • Secure web tip: www.crimestoppers.ns.ca
  • P3 Tips mobile app

Please reference File: 2026-553463 when providing information, if possible.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, missing-person incidents in outdoor and wilderness settings are a critical public safety concern for the Nova Scotia community. Regions like Cape Breton Highlands National Park attract local residents and international visitors, increasing the importance of preparedness and quick reporting when someone may be overdue or out of contact. Reviewing local safety patterns, such as those outlined in our Cape Breton, Nova Scotia safety and statistics overview, can help residents and visitors better understand regional risks and emergency resources.

When hiking or exploring remote areas, we encourage individuals and groups to share detailed trip plans with a trusted contact, carry appropriate gear for rapidly changing conditions, monitor weather and trail advisories, and report any concerns about overdue hikers to authorities without delay. Community vigilance, prompt reporting, and cooperation with search agencies are essential tools in improving outcomes in missing hiker cases and enhancing overall community safety.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.