Toronto 
In the charming town of Wiarton on the Southern Bruce Peninsula, a tradition dating back to 1957 captivates locals and visitors alike.
According to Tourism Bruce Peninsula, the tradition began with Mac McKenzie, a local known for his humour, who sought to enliven the winter months. He invited friends from the city to a Groundhog Day celebration, an invitation largely dismissed as a jest. However, it piqued the interest of Frank Teskey, a reporter from the Toronto Daily Star. Upon his arrival, the locals were baffled by his inquiry about a Groundhog celebration, until they learned it was Mac’s doing.
Finding Mac at the Arlington Hotel with a small gathering, Teskey was informed that this was the celebration. To create a story, they placed a white fur hat in a snow dug-out, simulating a groundhog, and a legendary tradition was born. More than six decades later, Wiarton still honours this whimsy with a statue and signs celebrating Wiarton Willie, the town’s famed groundhog.
This year, the celebrations kick off on Friday with the Wiarton Willie Hockey Tournament, free public skating at the Wiarton Arena, and a Lions Club casino night supporting the Salvation Army.
Saturday is wall-to-wall activity. The day starts early with the long-running pancake breakfast at St. John’s United Church, followed by family-friendly winter fun in Bluewater Park, complete with sleigh rides, inflatables, trains, and games. Indoors, shoppers can browse the Propeller Club’s vendors and crafters market, while competitors take part in pool and snooker tournaments, curling matches, and the ever-popular chili chowdown. When night falls, live music and dancing take over both the arena and the Propeller Club.
Sunday keeps things lively with karaoke, before Monday’s 7 a.m. fireworks, free breakfast, and the highly anticipated prediction from Wiarton Willie at 8:07 a.m., the moment the town waits for all year.
Wiarton Willie (along with his successors, each named Willie) is currently the only weather prognosticator in Ontario.
Canada’s list of Groundhog Day predictors also includes Lucy the Lobster, TR Tunnel, Shubenacadie Sam, Okanagan Okie, Balzac Billy, Van Isle Violet, Fred la Marmotte and Manitoba Merv.
Wiarton Willie Festival – 2026
Update: Prediction: Early Spring
Credit: Wiarton Willie Festival
What:
Visit Wiarton on February 2 to wake Willie at 7 a.m. with fireworks and catch the official prediction at 8:07 a.m. The festival, spanning two days, also features gaming trailers, a trackless train, human foosball, a vendor market and more!
When: January 30 to February 2, 2026
Prediction Morning and Festival — Monday, February 2, 2026
• 7:00 AM – Fireworks Display
• 8:07 AM – Wiarton Willie’s Official Prediction
Festival Weekend Celebration Highlights:
- Wiarton Willie Hockey Tournament – ALL WEEKEND
- Saturday January 31, 2026
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- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Wiarton Willie Pancake Breakfast @ St. John’s United Church
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Fun in Bluewater Park
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Wiarton Propeller Club Vendors/Crafters Market
- 8:30 a.m.: Groundhog Bonspeil
- 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.: Wiarton Willie Weekend Arena Dance
- 8 p.m.-1 a.m.: Wiarton Willie Dance at the Wiarton Propeller Club
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- Sunday, February 1, 2026
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- 2 p.m. -6 p.m.: Karaoke at the Propeller Club
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Where:
Prediction at Town Hall, 370 William St.
Festival & Fireworks: Bluewater Park, 315 George St.
Wiarton, Ontario, N0H 2T0
Weekend Events – Various Locations
