Background/Aims: Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels modulate membrane potential and intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>. We examined the role of TRPC1 and TRPC3 channels in vasocontraction and relaxation in mouse aorta. Methods: Vasocontraction and relaxation of aorta from wild-type (WT), TRPC1 KO and TRPC3 knockout (KO) mice were measured for phenylephrine (Phe) and carbachol (CCh). Intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> was measured in primary aorta endothelial cells (EC) and whole cell K<sup>+</sup> current in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells (SMC). Results and Conclusion: TRPC1 KO aorta showed increased vasocontraction to Phe compared to WT and TRPC3 KO aorta due to diminished role of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels. BK<sub>Ca</sub> mRNA (aorta) and whole cell current (SMC) were reduced versus WT. Contraction in WT aorta was increased to TRPC1 KO level by BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel inhibition. Relaxation to CCh was reduced in TRPC1 KO and TRPC3 KO aortas with concomitant reduction in EC Ca<sup>2+</sup> response. Pyr3 (TRPC3 blocker) reduced the Ca<sup>2+</sup> response to CCh in EC from WT, but not TRPC3 KO mice. In summary, TRPC1 attenuates receptor-mediated contraction through activation and/or expression of SMC BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels while TRPC3 does not contribute to receptor-mediated constriction. Both TRPC1 and TRPC3 participate in EC Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx and vasorelaxation of aorta.