We went there a few times before, but not many people were involved; how is it now?

It seems like you’re asking about the current situation after visiting a place in the past. You’re implying that on your previous visits, there weren’t many people around, and now you wonder how it’s changed.

So, if I paraphrase correctly: “On my previous trips to this place, not too many people were around. So, what’s the situation like nowadays?”