Disappearance and Last Contact

Denise Ann Williams was last heard from on 15 April, when she informed her family that she was traveling to Chéticamp, a fishing village on the west coast of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.

Search Efforts and Vehicle Found

Her rental car, a Nissan Sentra, was discovered at the Parks Canada visitor centre at the start of the Acadian trail head, an 8.4km loop in the Cape Breton Highlands national park.

A local shared on social media that her vehicle had not moved for likely two weeks, adding to the concern for her safety.

Trail Details and Park Conditions

The Acadian trail is described as a moderate difficulty hike, featuring elevation gain and some short, steep sections, estimated to take between three and four hours to complete.

The park, known for its rocky coastline, is home to moose, coyotes, and black bears, and has patchy phone reception.

“Hike with friends and a solid walking stick,” the trail’s website advises, adding that if hiking alone, one should inform someone of their plans.

On 28 April at about 9.30am local time, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Inverness county received a call reporting Williams as missing.

Physical Description and Search Efforts

Police released images and a physical description of Williams,5-foot-4 with greyish blonde, shoulder-length hair—and stated she was believed to be wearing a dark winter jacket, a powder-blue beanie with ‘Antarctica’ on it, an orange and blue scarf, and glasses.

As of Friday, air and ground search efforts were continuing, with the RCMP and Department of Natural Resources air services, police dog services, multiple ground search and rescue teams, and other agencies assisting in the search.

Chris Bellmore, president of Chéticamp Search and Rescue, told CBC News on Thursday that the terrain in Nova Scotia is “very difficult,” noting the mountainous setting, water sources, and lingering snow in the highlands.

Nova Scotia police corporal Mandy Edwards told the ABC that wildlife could pose a danger at this time of year, with bears emerging from hibernation.

“Hopefully she’s encountered some people along the way who may recognize her from the photo that was released,” Edwards said, adding that searchers would use public tips to guide their efforts.

Daytime temperatures in the park have ranged between 0 to 14°C, with overnight temperatures dipping as low as -5°C, and some snow still lingering.

Family Support and Government Response

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to Williams’ family.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” a department spokesperson said.