What is a yurt?

     A yurt or ger is a type of portable domicile that has been in constant use for centuries in Mongolia and surrounding lands.  Because of its portability it is similar to the teepee of the Western Plains of North America but is more 'house-like', with walls and a hinged door -- they are one of the original mobile homes, predating the gypsy caravan and modern travel trailer by a thousand years at least.

Why these yurts?

     Several reasons... they are the real McCoy, built by a family who have been designing and refining their hand-built yurts for almost five generations.   Our yurts are an ethical, fair-trade import that helps keep Mongolian people living on the land the way they always have.  The charm of these beautiful handmade houses is unmatched and the basic design remains essentially the same as it was in Genghis Khan's day.

     The nomads of The Steppe are natural horsemen and have been herders since time immemorial.  There are many similarities between Mongolia and the prairies of Western Canada.  To begin with, both are classed as steppe based on annual rainfall and the wide swings in tempurature between seasons.  The geography is strikingly familiar -- depending on where you are in Mongolia you might think you are on the East Slopes of the Rockies, the Cypress Hills near Manyberries, AB, the Badlands near Drumheller, AB, the grasslands around Swift Current or gazing into the clear depths of Lac la Ronge, SK. 

     Yurts are perfectly suited to the climate of The Prairies, able to comfortably endure relentless wind, Spring gullywashers, -40C winters, and with minor alterations the snows of northern Quebec or the long and damp, gray days of Winter on Salt Spring Island, BC!