Photo Gallery: Canada’s groundhogs predict an early spring

By Canadian Press on February 2, 2026.

Canada’s famous prognosticating rodents are predicting an early spring.

Wiarton Willie in Ontario’s Bruce County and Fred la Marmotte in Quebec’s Gaspésie region reportedly did not see their shadows on Monday morning, which is good news for people tired of wintry weather.

According to legend, there will be six more weeks of winter if a groundhog sees their shadow, and an early spring if they don’t.

South of the border, Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania contradicted his northern counterparts. He is said to have seen his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter weather.

One of Canada’s most famous groundhogs, Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam, did not go ahead with her typical prediction event due to a forecast that calls for yet another winter storm in her home province.

Here are some scenes from Groundhog Day in Wiarton, Ont., and Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2026.

The Canadian Press