Toronto 
From a puppet that resides in a cardboard box to a Vancouver Island marmot, Canadian weather prognosticators come in various colours and sizes.
Lucy the Lobster/Credit: Visit Barrington
According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will last for another six weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, we will have an early spring.
2026 Groundhog Day Predictions:
Shubenacadie Sam – Nova Scotia:
Prediction: Early Spring.
The Groundhog Day event at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park was cancelled due to forecasted blowing snow and unsafe travel conditions. Shubenacadie Sam remained in her burrow.
The park staff states, ‘Sam battened down the burrow to weather the storm so she did not see a shadow, which – according to folklore – means an early spring. Only time will tell!”
Lucy the Lobster — Nova Scotia
Prediction: Early Spring.
Canada’s only and Nova Scotia’s famously foresighted crustacean signaled an early spring during a scaled-back morning ceremony. Due to heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and an approaching nor’easter, Lucy Lobster delivered her Groundhog Day prediction from a relocated, safer site.
TR Tunnel — Nova Scotia
Prediction: Early Spring
Groundhog Day at Two Rivers Wildlife Park was cancelled due to unsafe winter driving conditions. Like Shubenacadie Sam, Tunnel won’t see his shadow; folklore says that points to an early spring.
Fred la Marmotte — Quebec
Prediction: Early Spring
Fred la Marmotte of Val-d’Espoir predicted an early spring for Quebec.
Wiarton Willy – Ontario
Prediction: Early Spring.
Wiarton Willie predicted an early spring during Monday morning’s long-running ceremony in Wiarton, Ontario. The tradition, dating back to 1957, drew crowds to Bluewater Park for fireworks and the 8:07 a.m. forecast, delivered by Mayor Jay Kirkland.
Manitoba Merv – Manitoba
Prediction: Six More Weeks of Winter
Winter isn’t done yet in Manitoba. After emerging from Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba Merv spotted his shadow, signaling six more weeks of cold.
The centre hosts World Wetlands Day event on February 2.
Balzac Billy – Alberta
Prediction: Six More Weeks of Winter
Balzac Billy predicted more winter after seeing his shadow during Groundhog Day celebrations at Blue Grass Nursery & Garden Centre. Hosted by the Balzac Business Community Association, the event began with a 7 a.m. breakfast before Billy emerged around 8:15 a.m.
Van Isle Violet – British Columbia
Prediction: Six more weeks of winter
Vancouver Island Violet predicted six more weeks of winter, joined by her mate, Phillip. Violet is one of just 427 Vancouver Island marmots left in the wild and part of a successful conservation breeding program at the Tony Barrett Mount Washington Marmot Recovery Centre. The program has helped rebuild the species from fewer than 30 marmots, offering growing hope for its survival.
Okanagan Okie – British Columbia
Prediction: Early Spring
Okie the Marmot predicted an early spring, delighting families during Groundhog Day festivities. The beloved ABNC mascot’s official forecast was read aloud, continuing a tradition that mixes education, community spirit, and a touch of seasonal suspense for everyone present today.
Celebration: Monday, February 2, 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM. P.S.T
Whether you put your faith in these tiny weather predictors or not, spring will follow, however long the winter is.
To learn more about each groundhog, see here.
