The search for missing Australia hiker Denise Ann Williams has been called off by Canadian authorities.
The Victorian woman went missing while hiking on an island off the east coast of Canada.
“The search for a missing hiker in Cape Breton Highlands National Park has been suspended following an extensive six-day air and ground search of the area,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement.
Ms Williams, 62, was reported missing on April 28 after she was last heard from on April 15.
She told her family she was travelling to a fishing village, Cheticamp, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police and supporting agencies began searching the Cape Breton Highlands National Park on April 28 after her rental car, a Nissan Sentra, was found at a visitor centre near the start of the Acadian Trail.
The search came to an end on May 3 and police said “no further search activity is planned at this time”.
Ms Williams is about 152cm tall with greyish blonde, shoulder-length hair and 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.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park website describes their hiking trails as ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoasts.
The Acadian Trail is an 8.4km loop in the park that the website notes as having steep inclines, rugged sections and stream crossings, warning hikers to “be on the lookout for black bear and moose”.
Nova Scotia police Corporal Mandy Edwards told the ABC last week that wildlife could be a danger this time of year.
“Bears are coming out of hibernation. It’s also mating season,” she said.
“Hopefully, she’s encountered some people along the way who may recognise her from the photo that was released.
“Our searchers will be looking at those clues and those tips from the public to help to direct their search.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson had previously said they were providing consular assistance to Ms Williams’ family.
