Chaparral is located south of Fish Creek Provincial Park, just south of Marquis of Lorne Trail (Highway 22X) and east of Macleod Trail (Highway 2). The community is built around the man-made 32-acre Lake Chaparral. The more expensive homes are closer to the lake (and also pay a higher community fee). New office buildings and the extension of the south LRT will offer quick commuting time for residents. The community is rapidly becoming a shopper's paradise with many big box stores attracted to the 25,000 area residents in the "young family" demographic.

Shopping
Shopping for the area is north up Macleod Trail in Midnapore and Shawnessy, complete with a new "Coliseum style" movie multiplex. The largest area shopping centre is Southcentre Mall.

Recreation
Lake Chaparral, the 32-acre lake includes a man-made mountain with alpine-style stream and two waterfalls. The lake a haven for recreational divers, complete with groupings of 72-inch diameter concrete pipes and an underwater obstacle course.

Homes
The community is only several years old, but its lake was a venue for the 1997 World Police and Fire Games. A new area, Chaparral Ridge adds 350 lots to the community. Homes in Chapparal are being built by Cardel, Cedarglen, Centrex, Homes by Avi, Jayman Master Builder, and Shane.