Hockey fans of all ages have come in droves in person to see the Stanley Cup on P.E.I. as part of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada celebrations.

"You wouldn't believe the wide eyes of the kids that first saw the Stanley Cup in Crapaud," said CBC sportscaster John Hancock, who's been travelling with the cup.

"By the time the cup had been there 10 or 15 minutes, there must have been between 300 and 400 kids and parents all lined up."

The cup landed on P.E.I. Tuesday night for a tip-to-tip tour of the Island .

This is the first time in the 12-year history of the event the cup has gone on a full provincial tour. Even in Canada's smallest province that can create challenges.

"One day alone it's 335 kilometres. So, you're down to the second with your planning," said Candace Woodside, who is in charge of logistics on the tour.Hundreds of people lined up in Tignish to see the Stanley Cup Wednesday morning. (CBC)

Ninety-three-year-old Harold Linkletter saw the trophy for the very first time Tuesday night while it was on display in Summerside.

"Way back in my younger days I used to go to the hockey matches. I guess I'm one of the older ones around here now. Should be home in bed," said Linkletter.

Rules of the cup

With stops in 11 communities, extra care has to be taken to ensure hockey's holy grail remains in pristine condition. The keeper of the cup, the Hockey Hall of Fame's Phil Pritchard, said there are strict rules about who is allowed to handle it.

"For those that pick it up, their name has to be on it. Otherwise you can't pick it up," said Pritchard.

"Looking around, I don't see anybody here that has their name on the cup. So I don't think it will be picked up tonight."

The cup has its busiest day Wednesday, with stops in six communities from Charlottetown to Tignish.

There was even a bit of a challenge pulling into the Tignish Centennial Arena because of the crowds waiting to see the cup in person, Hancock said.

"That just shows you the interest around the Island," Hancock said. "It's cold, but not that that's stopping anyone from coming to look at the Stanley Cup."