Verdon Gorge - canyoning, Via Ferrata and rafting

You're asking for some extremely specific feedback on the trails, maybe you'll be lucky here... But do try other forums at the same time.
As for budget accomodation: it will be hard to go below 75-80 euros a night in Moustiers. However, I slept in Aups for two nights last summer at the Auberge de la Tour: not the best bed, but the room was large, charming, with bath, and the cost was 55-60 euros. Aups is not too far from the Gorges.
Castellane is likely to have cheaper options than Moustiers too.

@balso
Thanks a lot, balso!
Checked Auberge de la Tour - it looks lovely!
And says €50 on their website (for a single room in a high season))
In case the trail i’ll Choose is not too far away from Aups, I think it should be a very good option!
Thank you very much once again!

The drive from Aups to the south side of the Gorges is quick and scenic. To the north side, e.g. Routes des Crêtes or Point Sublime, it is a bit longer, about 75, 90 minutes at most. Aups itself is a cute, very "authentic" provençal town. Less gorgeous than Moustiers of course, where you should at least try to stop by.

@balso
Thanks a lot for these hints, balso!
Looks like you explored the entire area very well :)

Will surely pass by Moustiers for lunch or dinner (or maybe will even stay there - still didn’t book my canyoning and other stuff. Whatever I checked so far, the meeting point is about an hour drive from Aups :)

In case it could be useful to someone (got from one of the companies organizing water activities (below is a qote :
Watersport activities in Verdon Gorge “depend of the level of the river. This level depends of the dam located just over Castellane.
In July & August, we signed an agreement with the national electric company (owner of the dam) to have the perfect level for "Airboat Kayaking"or "Family Rafting" each Tuesday & Friday (13 cubic meters of water per second). The other days are perfect for "Aqua Trekking" (1,5 cubic meters of water per second).
However, this agreement says that when there is exceptional weather conditions (really dry summer, or many days of big rainfalls), the planning could be changed the day just before the activity by the dam. That’s why we could contact you if there is unfortunately any change.”

We did a cycling trip near the gorge and stayed in Moustier for two nights about 20 years ago. This town was a great place to stay and it seemed like it was close to the kayaking area but cannot be sure because we just cycled. The views from the top of the gorge are spectacular. The hiking has to have some great views as the water color is a bright emerald.

Thank you for sharing your comments, Nick.
It should be smth really amazing as you still remember it :)

P. S. Almost set with all my activities there for 2 days (I wish I could stay longer - so much to do!
No cycling though - hopefully next time :)