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THINK OF VISITING TORONTO, and most people ponder the usual stops: the CN Tower, the Ontario Science Centre, the Eaton Centre. But sometimes, don't you just want to amble around like a local? Well, that's where an unconventional tour-guide program can help.

The Toronto Ambassador Program (also called TAP Into TO) pairs Torontonians with out-of-towners for personal and informal "neighbourhood visits."

"The diversity of Toronto is really unique. It's amazing," says Paul Oxley, a volunteer guide with the program. Because he likes to showcase that diversity, Oxley says an outing with him might include a visit to Ryerson University or a trip into Little India.

Since the program began in 2005, TAP guides have taken visitors on more than 230 neighbourhood visits, which usually last between two and four hours and are free.

"When I am on these tours," says Oxley, "I learn an awful lot about the city myself."

Visit www.toronto.ca/tapto or call (416) 33TAPTO for more information or to book your tour.

— Annapurni Narayanan

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