Groundhog Predictions: Willie Says Spring, Phil Says Winter

Wiarton Willie, along with many of his fellow Canadian groundhogs, has forecast an early spring after he didn’t see his shadow on Monday morning during Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day is a time-honored tradition where people observe animals as they wake from hibernation to predict if spring will come early or if winter will linger for six more weeks.

Every February 2, groundhogs and even a lobster make their appearances to check for shadows.

Here are some other Canadian animal weather forecasters who made early-morning predictions:

Shubenacadie Sam, residing at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia did not see her shadow, indicating an early spring. Lucy the Lobster in Barrington, N. S., also predicts an early spring. Fred la marmotte in Quebec forecasts an early spring. Van Isle Violet in Nanaimo, B. C., predicts six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania expects six more weeks of winter.

The legend says that if a groundhog (or Lucy’s case, a crustacean) comes out on a sunny day and spots its shadow, it will retreat back into hibernation for another six weeks of winter. However, if it’s cloudy and no shadow is seen, then spring will arrive sooner.

WATCH | Wiarton Willie makes his 2026 prediction:

Wiarton Willie makes his 2026 prediction

On Groundhog Day, Wiarton Willie shares his thoughts on whether we’ll have an early spring or not. Check out what he decides during a ceremony in Wiarton, Ont., on Feb. 2, 2026.

70 years of predictions in Wiarton

In Wiarton, which has about 1,900 residents, the Groundhog Day event takes place at Bluewater Park with the cherished woodchuck set to make its prediction at 8:07 a. m. ET. Over the past 70 years there have been multiple Willies that have made this town on the Bruce Peninsula a popular tourist spot.

<p Each year features an annual festival starting with breakfast and fireworks at 7 a. m. Just last weekend there was also curling events, chili cook-offs, skating activities, dancing and family fun at Bluewater Park where one of Willie's enclosures is located.

Wiarton Willie enjoys a bite to eat in his cage in Wiarton, Ont. (Submitted by South Bruce Peninsula)

Danielle Edwards manages economic development and corporate communications for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula said Groundhog Day events often feel like a reunion.

“People kind of have taken off and spread their wings throughout Ontario or beyond. And then family and friends come back for our Willie weekend to celebrate this annual tradition together.”

When it comes to what people hope Willie’s prediction will be she noted it’s usually split right down the middle between wanting either an early spring or more winter.

“We have people that love to see six more weeks of winter for all of the outdoor recreational activities. And then you have the other people who would prefer sun and sand,” she said.

WATCH | After this storm, people may be ready for an early spring:

This storm just froze half of North America

A huge winter storm has covered millions under historic snowfall and ice conditions locking much of North America into dangerous Arctic temperatures. CBC’s Johanna Wagstaffe explains how two extreme weather phenomena – a polar vortex combined with an atmospheric river – created this rare record-breaking event.

The history behind Groundhog Day

The first observance of Groundhog Day occurred in the U. S., marked by Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction back in 1886 according to reports from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s website.

The initial official visit to Gobbler’s Knob happened on Feb. 2nd in 1887.