Exhibit 23.1

KPMG LLP

PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street

Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3

Canada

Telephone (604) 691-3000

Fax (604) 691-3031

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation

We consent to the use of our reports dated March 15, 2018 to the Stockholders and Board of Directors of Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (the “Entity”) on the consolidated financial statements of the Entity, which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, incorporated herein by reference.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

Vancouver, Canada

December 20, 2018

KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.