Ashbridges Bay is truly a staple of the Toronto summer! Even if you don't live in the area, you just gotta find a way to get here a few times during the heat of the summer.
Even when i'm on my way to work in the middle of the day on a weekday the beach is packed with people. So if you're looking for something a little less busy, then stroll east a bit towards the Vic Park end of the Beaches. The beach is HUGE! Ashbridges Bay is the place to come if you wanna play a little volleyball or horseshoes in the sand, or if you just wanna lay out on your beach chair and people watch.
In fact that's my fave activity, people watching. You get ALL KINDS here. The ladies, the men, the puppies!! It's all entertaining.
The park extends further out with some trails and nice picnic areas. It seems there are more vendors this year for food and snacks than there used to be. There is also a big parking area. The lots nearest to the Lakeshore are often full. But if you drive in the park a little deeper there is a couple more lots. So try there as well. If you are taking the TTC, then the 92 Woodbine bus goes from Woodbine Stn. right down to the lakeshore. But it's usually PACKED. So you may have to wait for a few buses to fit on during peak times. I recommend walking up to Queen St and taking the streetie across as a back up.