FROM THE PARROT HOUSE TO VISTA 18: THE LEGACY OF LOUIS THE PARROT AT CHATEAU VICTORIA
Before its rebranding as “Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge,” the rooftop eatery at Chateau Victoria bore the name “The Parrot House” Restaurant, paying homage to a notable inhabitant, Louis the parrot. Louis led a life of privilege, residing in upper society since the late 1900s.
Louis, a gift to Miss Victoria Jane Wilson on her 5th birthday in 1882, symbolized extravagance. Daughter of the Wilson family, which owned the property now occupied by Chateau Victoria, Miss Wilson cherished her avian companion.
Rumors abounded about Louis, with some suggesting he engaged in debauchery including gambling and drinking. However, these tales were unfounded. Louis, preferring humble eggs over indulgence, spent his time conversing with keepers rather than partaking in scandalous activities. Despite his pampered lifestyle, Louis’s fame and wealth only burgeoned after Miss Wilson’s passing in 1946 due to the red tape involved with the lofty perch that was his master’s mansion.
Miss Wilson’s will allocated most of her estate to charity but earmarked a portion for Louis’s care. Yue Wah Wong, her trusted gardener, assumed responsibility for Louis and the estate. Over the years, Louis’s fame spread, with countless stories written about him, including a feature in Life Magazine.
However, discontent simmered among Victoria residents regarding the bird’s residency. Many advocated for Louis’s relocation and property development. In 1966, the estate’s administrator, burdened by escalating costs, transferred ownership of Louis to Wong and his family, who cared for him until his death in 1985 at the remarkable age of 115.
Subsequent property transfers occurred, but a clause in the sale mandated the aviary’s preservation, thwarting redevelopment plans. Louis’s passing heralded change, and today, the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites occupies the historic Wilson home site.
There is a rich published history of Louis story shared across the globe, including his own page in Wikipedia. Check out the links below for some of our favourites:
https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/politics-law/something-to-squawk-about
New Heights for Vista 18
If it’s been a while since you’ve been up to the 18th floor of Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites, be sure to come back for a completely new Authentic + Local + Elevated experience at Vista 18 Restaurant + Lounge.
