The British Columbia provincial election in 1986 was held on October 22, 1986. The election was called by the incumbent Social Credit Party Premier, Bill Bennett, who had formed a majority government after the 1983 election. The election saw a relatively low level of voter turnout, with approximately 63% of eligible voters casting a ballot.

The main issues in the 1986 election included healthcare, education, the economy, and the environment. The Social Credit Party campaigned on its record in government, emphasizing its efforts to balance the budget, reduce taxes, and attract investment to the province. The New Democratic Party (NDP) focused on social issues, promising to invest in healthcare, education, and social services. The Liberal Party campaigned on a platform of economic growth, promising to create jobs and attract investment to the province.

In the end, the election resulted in a majority government for the Social Credit Party, which won 47 seats in the 69-seat Legislative Assembly. The NDP won 22 seats, while the Liberal Party won no seats. Bill Vander Zalm became Premier of British Columbia, succeeding Bill Bennett, who had retired from politics after the election.

The election saw a continuation of the Social Credit Party's focus on fiscal conservatism and economic growth, with social issues also playing a significant role in the election. The NDP's focus on social issues and investment in healthcare, education, and social services failed to resonate with voters, and the party suffered a significant defeat.

Overall, the 1986 British Columbia provincial election saw a continuation of the Social Credit Party's dominance of British Columbia politics, with the party winning a large majority government. The election also marked the emergence of Bill Vander Zalm as a significant political force in the province, a trend that would continue in subsequent elections.