After a snowy, icy, and frankly chaotic start to the year, we eagerly awaited the groundhog’s predictions for the arrival of spring…
This morning, February 2, 2026, Fred the groundhog from Gaspésie did not see his shadow. So, obviously, we can predict an early arrival of spring in Quebec and—finally!—the end of another difficult winter in Montreal.
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Dayis a North American tradition that has its origins in European legends and folklore. It is celebrated every year on February 2,Candlemas Day.
February 1 and 2 are holy days in several European religions and traditions.
Among the ancient Celts,a festival called Imbolc was celebrated on February 1 to mark the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In the Catholic religion, it is the feast of Candlemas and Saint Brigid.
Both holidays celebrate the very first signs of spring, light, and fertility. It’s the day to light the candles we received during the end-of-year office parties.
Texts also identify these days as the days when bears came out of their caves (and their winter hibernation) to look at the sky. Through the years, migrations, and oral traditions that have shaped modern North America, it is on the shoulders of groundhogs that the responsibility rests to tell us whether we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
It’s very simple: the groundhog comes out of its burrow and if it sees its shadow, the rest of the winter will be mild. If it doesn’t see its shadow, it goes back to sleep for six weeks until the arrival of a mild spring.
Predictions for 2026
The closest groundhog oracle to Montreal is Fred from Gaspésie. Every year in Val-d’Espoir, he emerges from his burrow and, based on his shadow, predicts the arrival of spring.
This morning, February 2, 2026, Fred saw his shadow and predicted an early arrival of spring—and a milder end to winter.
Other groundhogs have also made their predictions. Punxsutawney Phil in the United States saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. In Nova Scotia, Sam of Shubenacadie was unable to make a prediction due to a snowstorm.
When it comes to choosing who to believe, we decide to put our fate in the hands of Fred the groundhog because, after all, why not?
Have agreat end of winter!