We present the results of a search for variable stars in the globular cluster (GC) NGC 5286, which has recently been suggested to be associated with the Canis Major dwarf spheroidal galaxy. Fifty-seven variable stars were detected, only 19 of which had previously been known. Among our detections one finds 52 RR Lyrae (22 RRc and 30 RRab), 4 long-period variables, and 1 type II Cepheid of the BL Herculis type. Periods are derived for all of the RR Lyrae as well as the Cepheid, and BV light curves are provided for all the variables.