QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of TransCanada Corporation

We consent to the use of our reports, each dated February 11, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in this annual report on Form 40-F.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference of such reports in TransCanada Corporation's:

—

Registration Statements No. 333-5916, No. 333-8470, No. 333-9130, No. 333-184074 and No. 333-151736 on Form S-8;

—

Registration Statements No. 33-13564 and No. 333-6132 on Form F-3; and,

—

Registration Statements No. 333-151781, No. 333-161929, and No. 333-177788 on Form F-10.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Canada

February 13, 2013

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1