Cape Breton Island 
Will there be six more weeks of winter, or will spring come early this year? Will the groundhogs across Nova Scotia agree, or will they disagree on the coming of spring?
The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back to 1887, it is hard to say when Nova Scotians started watching these weather-predicting rodents. It is hard to say how accurate groundhogs are at predicting the coming of spring. Canadian meteorological data finds that the prediction rates being correct are low. However, this doesn’t stop the hope that groundhogs are right and spring is coming six weeks early.
Groundhog Day also falls halfway between the winter solstice, or the longest night of the year, and the spring equinox, which is when day and night are the same length.
Shubenacadie Sam, the Prognosticating Groundhog, may be Nova Scotia’s most famous groundhog. Since 1987, four groundhogs have been honoured with the name of Shubenacadie Sam. People across Nova Scotia head to the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park to watch Sam come out of his hole and see if he sees his shadow. Sam is said to be the most accurate in predicting if spring is coming early or late. He is also the first woodchuck in North America to make a prediction every Groundhog Day. The park even had a SamCam for people to watch online.
Groundhog Day Celebrations in Nova Scotia
Shubenacadie Sam – Shubenacadie Provincial Wild Park
Shubenacadie Provincial Wild Park
On Groundhog Day, Wildlife Park opens from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m, featuring Sam’s prediction enclosure in the main lot with the big prediction at 8 a.m. February 2nd is also World Wetlands Day, and Shubenacadie Wild Park usually celebrates with interactive displays about the Maritimes wetlands.
Make sure to check out the gift shop, as there are special Shubenacadie Sam items that are only available on Groundhog Day. Details
Prediction: Early Spring
Shubenacadie Provincial Wild Park, 149 Creighton Rd, Shubenacadie
Lucy Lobster – Cape Sable Island Causeway
Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl festival’s mascot, Lucy Lobster, is famous for her weather predictions. The prediction by the only prognosticating crustacean in the world is part of the festivities taking place along the entire South Shore, from Barrington to Peggy’s Cove.
Credit: Visit Barrington
Prediction: Early Spring
Cape Sable Island Causeway, Barrington
TR Tunnel – Two Rivers Wildlife Park
Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Mira is home to the TR Tunnel. TR Tunnel checks out the weather later than Sam, at around 11:22 am on Groundhog Day.
Prediction: Early Spring
Two Rivers Wildlife Park, 4581 Grand Mira North Road, Mira
