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The United States claims the island as its territory, but Canada has maintained a lighthouse and a presence on the island for many years. At present the island is run by the Canadian Coastguard and the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Landing
The number of people who can actually disembark on the island is restricted.  Most visitors will not land on the island, but will see all the birds from the boat which will circle the island. This is a wonderful experience even without landing

Landing on the island used to be very difficult and rather dangerous.  While the author has not visited in over 10 years, the following information on landing was provided by Captain Andrew Patterson.

All landings on the island are now carried out by a larger outboard powered skiff (not a rowboat), which can land 4-8 tour participants at a time. There is a newly constructed concrete ramp and walkway, which replaced the old steel covered ramp with rails that was previously shown on the New England Seabird page.
 
Visitors now access the island either by stepping out of the skiff directly on to the concrete ramp, or occasionally at low tide, they will step out of the skiff onto the rocky shoreline and walk up a path with handrails across flat and gently sloping ledges.

Be A Good Visitor
Visiting the island is a privilege and to protect the nesting birds most of which are highly endangered, strict rules must be followed. The ranger asks guests to walk quickly along the boardwalk to the porch where instructions and an introduction to the birds are given.

As you can see, there is so much bird activity all around you that paying attention is difficult.

There is a comfort station on the island. You might also want to bring water with you. You will not have time for a picnic so save your lunch for the boat trip back. Remember to stay on the boardwalks at all times and to walk quickly to and from the blinds on the ranger's instructions. Children must be controlled by an adult at all times.

Blinds After your introduction by the ranger you will be escorted to one of the pairs of blinds. Walk quickly and follow instructions so as not to bother the terns nesting in the grass.

Quiet The occupants of this blind are following the instructions to be quiet and only open the windows on one side. As you can see the Puffins are perched on the top.