The 30th general election for the Province of British Columbia, Canada was called on July 24, 1972, and held on August 30, 1972. The new legislature met for the first time on October 17, 1972.

The David Barrett led the social democratic New Democratic Party to victory, winning a majority government.

The Social Credit Party, led by Premier W.A.C. Bennett, was defeated after governing British Columbia since the 1952 election. Social Credit's share of the popular vote fell by over 15 percentage points, and the party lost 28 of the seats it had won in the previous election.

The Liberal Party held onto its five seats, while the Progressive Conservative Party returned to the legislature for the first time since the 1953 election by winning two seats.

Note:

n.a. - not applicable: party not recognized at the previous election