Although it may sound out of the ordinary, yurts can be an option for year-round living in Canada!
Offering both simplicity and sustainability, having a yurt as a seasonal or full-time dwelling is suited to those who want to reside in nature, or need an accessory building on their property.
Photo Courtesy of Glamping Hub ((the one shown is no longer available)
You may have already seen yurts, which are commonly used for Glamping in Canada.
Photo Courtesy of Cottage Life
But first, what is a yurt?
Traditionally used as a mobile shelter by various nomadic tribes in central Asia, a yurt is a circular tent made from a covering of felted wool (or other similar skin coverings). A yurt also includes a foldable wooden circular frame, roof beams and a roof ring, lattice walls (made of wood or bamboo), a wheel possibly steam-bent, and a door.
Although the original yurt was quite basic, nowadays we’re seeing these structures equipped with modern technologies including solar power, composting toilets and rainwater collection. As innovative solutions for off-the-grid living advance, having a yurt as a primary dwelling will become increasingly feasible.
Photo Courtesy of Tiny House Blog
Worried about surviving the chilly Canadian winters? There are plenty of ways to keep your yurt heated. First, having the right insulation is important. The use of a wood stove, propane heat, or electric heaters (if a source is nearby and accessible) are options for yurt design.
Seriously considering it? There are Canadian companies who specialize in yurts, like Yurta. They offer comfort features as part of an upgrade package on their basic model including premium wall fabric, additional windows, a chimney outlet, or insulated floors and walls.
There are other Canadian manufacturers of yurts to choose from as well, including:
- Yurtz By Design offers cool features such as door upgrades (even French doors!) and rain catching systems.
- Little Foot Yurts hold workshops on how to construct your yurt.
- Biome, which is a company who specializes in high-quality tent structures, one of those being the yurt.
Photo Courtesy of Yurta
The basic yurt offers its own architectural uniqueness simply through its design, but it’s a great blank canvas to personalize a suite.
Personally, I’d incorporate Hudson Bay Blankets in mine to infuse a distinctly Canadian look!
Photo Courtesy of Suzanne Wexler
…or build a loft if you own a bigger space! The possibilities are truly endless.
Photo Courtesy of Laure Joliet
Before you embrace yurt living, make sure you confirm what regulations exist in your location to see if there are limitations. Not all places will allow a yurt.
Photo Courtesy of Angela B. Pan
What makes yurt living magical?
For me, it’s the opportunity to be closer to Canadian wildlife, like a moose or a beaver!
Photo Courtesy of The Hamilton Spectator
Are you in Toronto? If so consider seeing a yurt at the Aga Khan Museum in the Don Mills area during Toronto’s annual Nuit Blanche event taking place on September 29th, 2018.
Love the idea, why not try it out with Glamping Hub’s many Yurt Rental throughout Canada! Check them out here, Glamping Hub
Did you enjoy this piece? Then check out these other interesting articles on canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca:
Micro-Home Mania in British Columbia
Nomad Micro Homes: Less Is More… Or Is It?
Big Plans For Calgary’s Homes For Heroes Foundation
canadianrealestatehousingandhome.ca’s articles on “Glamping” also feature some yurts, and are great guides for first-timers:
Houseporn’s Introductory Guide to Glamping
Houseporn’s Guide to Glamping: Canada’s West Edition
Researched and Written by Kara Scerri, Graduate from York University, and Sheridan College, Ontario